Cystic Fibrosis

Cystic fibrosis is a genetic disorder that particularly affects the respiratory and digestive systems. This disease affects the structure and movement of mucus, sweat and digestive fluids in the body, preventing the proper functioning of many organs. Complications that reduce the quality of life and shorten life expectancy may occur in individuals with cystic fibrosis. In this article we have written for you, general information about cystic fibrosis, its causes and symptoms will be discussed.

What is Cystic Fibrosis?

Cystic fibrosis is a hereditary disease that causes disorders in the structure of mucus and digestive fluids, especially affecting organs such as the lungs, pancreas, liver and intestines. This causes problems in different parts of the body, especially in the respiratory and digestive systems. Individuals with cystic fibrosis may experience problems such as lung infections, respiratory failure, nutritional disorders and infertility.

What Are The Causes of Cystic Fibrosis?

Since cystic fibrosis is a genetic disease, the cause of the disease is found in a mutated gene. This gene disrupts the structure and function of a protein called CFTR (Cystic Fibrosis Transmembrane Conductance Regulator). Normally, this protein regulates the consistency of mucus and digestive fluids by transporting salt and water out of cells.

In individuals with cystic fibrosis, however, because the function of this protein is impaired, mucus and digestive fluids become much thicker and stickier. For the disease to occur, the mutated gene must be inherited from both parents.

What Are The Symptoms Of Cystic Fibrosis?

Symptoms of cystic fibrosis may vary depending on the severity of the disease and the organs it affects. However, the most common and typical symptoms are;

• Frequent and severe lung infections,
• Chronic cough and expectoration,
• Wheezing and shortness of breath,
• Nasal congestion and sinusitis,
• Lack of weight gain and growth retardation,
• Frequent abdominal pain and bloating,
• Constipation and oily, foul-smelling pieces in the stool,
• Excessive salt loss during sweating,
• Infertility in men and fertility problems in women,

Cystic fibrosis can be diagnosed by genetic tests and sweat tests. Treatment of the disease is aimed at alleviating symptoms and improving quality of life. For this purpose, drugs that support respiratory and digestive system functions, physiotherapy and nutritional arrangements are used.

How Is Cystic Fibrosis Diagnosed?

Cystic fibrosis (CF) is an inherited and lifelong genetic disorder that has adverse effects, especially on the lungs and digestive system. Cystic fibrosis can be diagnosed by various methods such as genetic tests, sweat tests and newborn screening.

Cystic fibrosis is part of routine newborn screening in many countries. These tests are carried out with a blood sample taken from the baby’s heel and are usually done in the first weeks after birth. These screenings play an important role in the early diagnosis of CF and enable early treatment to be started.

The most commonly used test for the diagnosis of Cystic Fibrosis is the sweat test. This test is based on increasing sweat production with a small electric current applied to the skin and then measuring the chlorine and sodium content of the collected sweat. Since the functioning of the sweat glands is impaired in patients with Cystic Fibrosis, the chlorine and sodium levels in sweat are higher than normal.

Cystic fibrosis is caused by mutations in the CFTR gene. Therefore, genetic tests can detect mutations in the CFTR gene and confirm the diagnosis of CF. A definitive diagnosis can be reached by evaluating genetic tests together with family history, symptoms and other tests.

Additional tests can also be performed for the diagnosis of Cystic Fibrosis. These include lung function tests, radiological imaging methods (X-ray, MRI, ultrasound) and tests of the digestive system (e.g. stool analysis).

How Is Cystic Fibrosis Treated?

Although there is no definitive treatment for Cystic Fibrosis, various treatment methods are used to alleviate the symptoms of the disease, improve quality of life and prolong life. The methods used in the treatment of Cystic Fibrosis are as follows;

• Drug treatment,
• Physiotherapy
• Nutrition,
• Lung transplantation,

Who Can Get Cystic Fibrosis?

Cystic fibrosis can be seen in people of all races and ethnicities worldwide. However, the disease is more common in white people of Northern European origin. Cystic Fibrosis is inherited by passing on the mutated CFTR gene from both parents. If both parents are carriers, their children have a 25% risk of having CF.

The prevalence of CF varies according to geographical regions and ethnic groups. For example, in the United States, about 30,000 people have CF and there is one case of CF in every 3,500 births, while the rate is much lower among Asian Americans. Overall, about 70,000 people worldwide have Cystic Fibrosis.

Cystic Fibrosis Treatment Prices in Turkey

Turkey has managed to announce its name to the world with its investments and studies in the field of health. Especially the latest technological devices used in diagnosis and treatment procedures have been a beacon of hope for many diseases. However, there has been an increase in health tourism in Türkiye.

• Hospitals are large, clean, spacious and fully equipped in terms of technological equipment.
• Turkish doctors are specialized, successful, and skilled in their fields.
• Nurses and carers are friendly and compassionate.
• Finding answers to the questions asked quickly and accurately.
• Patience and understanding of all staff, including the intermediary company dealing with the patient.
• Turkey offers holiday opportunities with its natural and historical beauties.
• Easy transportation.
• Diagnosis, treatment, accommodation, eating, drinking, dressing, and holiday needs can be met at affordable prices.

Such situations are shown among the reasons for preference. Regarding Cystic Fibrosis Treatment Prices in Turkey, we can see that patients and their relatives who want to come to Turkey are doing research. However, it would not be right to give clear price information at this stage. Many factors such as the type of disease, stage, diagnosis process, treatment process, and stay in Türkiye affect the price issue. If you want to get more detailed price information, you can contact us. In addition, if you come to Turkey for treatment through us, we can facilitate your visa application process with the invitation letter sent by us to the consulate.