Cystic Fibrosis is one of the UK's most common life-threatening inherited diseases, which affects over 8,500 people within the UK. This disease affects the internal organs, especially the lungs and digestive system, by clogging them with thick, sticky mucus. This makes it hard to breathe and digest food.
Cystic Fibrosis is caused by a single faulty gene that controls the movement of salt in the body.
Cystic Fibrosis can never be cured; however quality of life can be improved by the following:
For more information regarding this disease please visit: www.cftrust.org.uk
Bronchiectasis is a respiratory condition associated with excessive mucus reproduction. The patient often experiences profound coughing, which may sometimes help to move mucus. Excess mucus may occlude some airways, leading to infection and inflammation, which in turn may stimulate further mucus production. Clearing the mucus provides benefit and may be achieved by physiotherapy, postural drainage or the use of a mucus clearance device, such as Flutter.
See new BTS guidelines for the treatment of Bronchiectasis.
For more information regarding this condition, please visit: www.lunguk.org