Physiotherapy for Cystic Fibrosis - Cystic Fibrosis Management with Physiotherapy Cystic fibrosis is a hereditary disease that is caused by a defective gene stimulating thick mucus production. This mucus builds up in the lungs and digestive tract and a common cause of chronic lung disease in children. Cystic fibrosis, or CF, is diagnosed using the sweat test during early childhood measuring the concentration of chloride and sodium that is excreted in sweat. Generally, signs and symptoms include no bowel movements in first 24 to 48 hours of life, recurrent respiratory infections, delayed growth, and unable to gain normal weight. It is also a progressive disease which may cause early death. Since there is excessive mucus production, it tends to clog up the airways and cause inflammation and infection which may lead to structural changes in the lungs. It is then inhabited by bacteria, thus promoting further infection and damage to the lungs. Coughing, copius amount of phlegm, and difficulty of breathing may be the early signs. This will also tend to initiate repetitive lung infection and is very conducive for bacterial growth. Eventually, it is very damaging to the lungs. This may also cause the patient to cough out blood and difficulty in getting enough oxygen for the body leading to respiratory failure. Thick mucus may also clog the sinuses causing fever, headache, and facial pain. Thick mucus production blocks pancreatic enzymes from reaching the small intestine. Digestion and absorption of nutrients are affected since this process takes place mostly in the small intestines. The essential elements for a child's growth are hindered since fewer calories and nutrients are absorbed properly. This results in poor growth and development and underweight. Since there is a blockage, pancreatic enzymes are not channeled into the duodenum causing the enzyme to back up leading to irreversible damage of the pancreas. This causes severe pain. They also have difficulty in absorbing vitamins A, D, E, and K which are fat soluble vitamins. Other patients with Cystic Fibrosis may acquire diabetes secondary to damage of the islets of Langerhans in the pancreas. They are also prone to fractures since they cannot absorb Vitamin D properly. Vitamin D is essential in the regulation of calcium and phosphorus. Cystic Fibrosis also causes infertility to both male and female. Diet and salt supplement are incorporated to avert some complications of the disease. These are part of the education component of the physiotherapy procedures used to treat patients with cystic fibrosis. There are no known cures yet for cystic fibrosis, but a broad management is offered to alleviate the condition. There are medications to decrease the mucus production and lessen its viscosity. Usually, antibiotics are administered to halt the growth and destroy the bacteria. Mucus-thinners, such as Pulmozyme, help the patient to thin the mucus. Bronchodilators help clear and open the airways. Anti-inflammatories are given to prevent lung inflammation to ease the breathing. Physiotherapy, specifically chest physiotherapy, is very important to people with cystic fibrosis. It clears secretions and infected materials in the airways. It also trains the patient and the parents of the children with cystic fibrosis of proper breathing and exercises, which develops the maximum capacity and functioning of the lungs. It reduces blockage of airways that causes infection and lung damage. Some of the techniques used are thoracic expansion, postural drainage, and chest percussion. Cystic fibrosis affects almost all the system in the body. Proper management and compliance with the inclusion of physiotherapy treatment procedures and medication will ensure a life with less complications and worries.

Physiotherapy Treatment Tip #1 People with injuries tend to consult medical doctors and usually demand medication to alleviate pain. Though it brings temporary relief, the palliative effects of medicine only deals with the symptoms rather than the cause of the pain and would usually have addictive side effects. Therein lays the opportunity for physiotherapy. The intake of oral medications may be avoided is there are alternative ways of dealing with pain.

Physiotherapy Treatment Tip #2 Patients who are suffering from various muscular disorders, minor or major injuries resulting to some difficulty in movements and immobility as well as other conditions associated with pain may just benefit from myotheraphy. Assortments of methods are used to deal with pain with the goal of alleviating it or achieve its total elimination. In this type of physiotherapy, massage, electrical nerve stimulation, movement exercise, acupuncture, meditation and the application of hot or cold compress are some examples of the techniques which are being employed in treating a wide range of complaints.

Physiotherapy Treatment Tip #3 Physiotherapists must also work in tandem with the parents to ensure a strong support system. Parents need to urge their kids to be more mobile. They also have to be made aware of all that is entailed in the treatment procedure. They also have to understand fully that the development in their child’s condition will greatly depend on them.