As a child with cystic fibrosis (CF) ages, complications from this chronic disease continue to develop. Respiratory infections can become increasingly hard to treat as different types of bacteria infect the lungs. Teenagers with the disease begin to take over their own medical management. They are encouraged to take good control of their medical treatments to help them stay healthy in spite of external pressures from school and peers. This transition is essential since the management of CF is very involved, but necessary to stay healthy.
Respiratory Infections
The surfactant in the lungs is a fluid that helps absorb oxygen, release carbon dioxide and remove bacteria that could cause infections. The surfactant in people with cystic fibrosis is thick, making it difficult to remove infections from the lungs. Teenagers with CF already have many different types of bacteria and fungus that inflammation throughout childhood. As they get older, and new types of bacteria and fungus begin to invade, resulting in more inflammation and scarring, respiratory complications can become very serious, leading to long hospitalizations and respiratory failure. In very severe cases, lung transplantation may be considered.
Cystic Fibrosis Related Diabetes
The pancreas becomes increasingly damaged in CF and can lead to cystic fibrosis-related diabetes. This type of diabetes is slightly different than the more common Type I or Type II diabetes. However, management is essential to prevent further complications that occur with diabetes. As a person with CF ages, the more likely they are to develop diabetes.
Osteoporosis
Due to lifetime of vitamin D deficiency, which is a complication common in individuals with CF, osteoporosis can develop. Osteoporosis is a loss of bone density that results in thin, fragile bones. Vitamin D, along with calcium, is important in building and maintaining bone density. The loss of bone density usually begins in childhood.
Delayed Puberty
Puberty in teenagers with cystic fibrosis can occur later than average. Often, this is due to the difficulty that people with CF have in getting proper nutrition, even with pancreatic enzyme supplementation and increased caloric intake. In addition, frequent illness is another factor that can delay puberty.
Kidney and Liver Damage
The kidneys and liver can be damaged, as a person with CF gets older. Kidney stones may develop in late childhood or adolescence. Progressive kidney damages may result in kidney failure. Damage to the liver can cause scar tissue. This can progress into liver cirrhosis---loss of liver function. Jaundice and other signs of liver failure may alert to this condition.
References
- "The Lancet"; Cystic Fibrosis; Brian O'Sullivan and Steven Freedman; 2009
- "Thompson & Thompson Genetics in Metabolism (7th Edition)"; Robert Nessbaum; 2007
- "Pediatrics"; Cystic Fibrosis and Transition to Adult Medical Care; Lisa Tuchman; 2010
