The Effects of Cystic Fibrosis on the Patient

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Congenital Disability Paper: Cystic Fibrosis

Ashley Cooper

University of Northern Colorado

Congenital Disability Paper: Cystic Fibrosis

Cystic Fibrosis is a somewhat rare and unfortunate illness that few people will battle. This paper will explore what Cystic Fibrosis entails, and how this will affect the individual battling the illness. It is also essential to talk about how this affects the family, and how they function together. It is important to cover treatment options for patients, and for the family, along with the stigma that is tied to the illness. Everything narrows down to the clients-choice, independence, and how family can hinder client choice. The paper will discuss the possible angles service providers could help or hinder the situation as well. Overall, the goal of this paper is to expand ones understanding of Cystic Fibrosis.

What is Cystic Fibrosis?

Cystic Fibrosis is a disease that is inherited through a patient’s biological parents (U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, 2013). The National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute explains Cystic Fibrosis in a simplistic form; our organs are lined with mucus that keeps “certain organs moist and prevents them from drying out or getting infected,” (U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, 2013). When suffering from Cystic Fibrosis, the mucus that is lining your organs is extremely thick, builds up in your lungs, and can block your airways (U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, 2013). The thick mucus can cause continuous bacterial infections, and serious repeated infections in the lungs (U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, 2013). According to Glenda Esmond (2000), this life threatening inherited disease affects every 1 in 2,500 birt...

... middle of paper ...

... Throughout time the family will learn to function while the individual is developing independence and freedom of choosing the life they want. Overall, for any client battling with Cystic Fibrosis, my hope is they live a satisfying life, and enjoy the time they have.

References

Esmond, G. (2000). Cystic fibrosis: Adolescent care. Nursing Standard, 14(52), 47-52.

(Peer Article)

Harrop, M. (2007). Psychosocial impact of cystic fibrosis on adolescence . 19(10), 41-50.

(Peer Article)

Pizzignacco, T. (2010, 01). Stigma and cystic fibrosis. Retrieved from http://www.scielo.br/pdf/rlae/v18n1/21.pdf

U.S Department of Health and Human Services. (2013, Dec 26). What is cystic fibrosis. Retrieved from http://www.nhlbi.nih.gov/health/health-topics/topics/cf/

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