About Me
The website is UP!, but Currently being worked on!, Should be Done soon!!! Thanks EVERYONE for your Support, It means the world, Every Banner put up is more awareness, and every penny donated, Is another Step
Towards a Cure to this Fatal Illness..!!
Definition
Cystic fibrosis is an inherited disease that causes thick, sticky mucus to build up in the lungs and digestive tract. It is the most common type of chronic lung disease in children and young adults, and may result in early death.
Causes, incidence, and risk factors
Cystic fibrosis (CF) is caused by a defective gene which tells the body to produce abnormally thick and sticky fluid, called mucus. This mucus builds up in the breathing passages of the lungs and the pancreas, the organ that helps to break down and absorb food.
This collection of sticky mucus results in life-threatening lung infections and serious digestion problems. The disease may also affect the sweat glands and a man's reproductive system.
Millions of Americans carry the defective CF gene, but do not have any symptoms. That's because a person with CF must inherit two defective CF genes -- one from each parent. An estimated 1 in 29 Caucasian Americans have the CF gene. The disease is the most common, deadly, inherited disorder affecting Caucasians in the United States. It's more common among those of Northern or Central European descent.
Most children are diagnosed with CF by their 2nd birthday. A small number, however, are not diagnosed until age 18 or older. These patients usually have a milder form of the disease.
Symptoms
Because there are more than 1,000 mutations of the CF gene, symptoms differ from person to person. But in general they include:
No bowel movements in first 24 to 48 hours of life Stools that are pale or clay colored, foul smelling, or that float Infants may have salty-tasting skin Recurrent respiratory infections, such as pneumonia or sinusitis Coughing or wheezing Weight loss, or failure to gain weight normally in childhood Diarrhea Delayed growth FatigueSigns and tests
A blood test is available to help detect CF. The test looks for variations in a gene known to cause the disease. Other tests use to diagnose CF include:
Immunoreactive trypsinogen (IRT) test. This is a standard newborn screening test for CF. A high level of IRT suggests possible CF and requires further testing. Sweat chloride test. This is the standard diagnostic test for CF. A high salt level in the patient's sweat indicates the disease. Fecal fat test Upper GI and small bowel series Measurement of pancreatic function Cystic fibrosis may alter the results of the following tests:
Trypsin and chymotrypsin in stool Secretin stimulation test Chest x-ray or CT scan Lung function tests
Treatment
An early diagnosis of CF and a comprehensive treatment plan can improve both survival and quality of life. Specialty clinics for cystic fibrosis may be helpful and can be found in many communities.
Treatment includes:
Antibiotics for respiratory infections. Pancreatic enzymes to replace those that are missing. Vitamin supplements, especially vitamins A, D, E, and K. Inhaled medicines to help open the airways. DNAse enzyme replacement therapy to thin the mucus and makes it easier to cough up. Pain relievers. Research has shown that the pain reliever ibuprofen may slow lung deterioration in some children with cystic fibrosis. The results were most dramatic in children ages 5 to 13. Postural drainage and chest percussion. Lung transplant may be considered in some cases.
Expectations (prognosis)
Disease registries now show that 40% of patients with cystic fibrosis are over age 18.
Today, the average life span for those who live to adulthood is approximately 35 years, a dramatic increase over the last three decades.
Death is usually caused by lung complications.
Complications
The most common complications are chronic respiratory infections.
Pneumonia, recurrent Pneumothorax Coughing up blood Chronic respiratory failure Cor pulmonale Liver disease Diabetes Osteoporosis and arthritis
Our mission is to Raise Awareness of this Fatal Illness, And to Help raise Funding that go to finding a cure.
Why ROCK Against CF? Because, I myself have Cystic fibrosis, And one of the things that has helped me cope and battle it is Rock And Roll!, I Want to Get local Bands Involved, Even Non- Local Bands... Charity Concerts, Live music Events to help with Funding, And In the future, Get some people in the Rock industry Involved, Because as we all know, People look up to celebrity's, And Fallow their lead, So if i can get some of them Involved, This could be huge! and I know it will be. It has to be!
Every person willing to support this cause is huge!
ALSO, WE WILL BE LAUNCHING A WEB SITE SOON!
Great Strides Walk!!!
Join Our Team - ROCK AGAINST CF
Happening Saturday,May 17th Check In: 9am At Oaks Park
Contact me for More information or directions if needed.
Other walks!
Please go to www.GREATSTRIDES.CFF.ORG For walks near YOU!
More Events will be posted, as they come!
*Donation is a big way to get involved, as every penny counts!
Every penny donated goes to the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation, 90% going towards a CURE!
*Sign up for your Local Great Strides walk!!!
And collect donations on your own!
*Put a Banner on your page!!!
