National Cystic Fibrosis Awareness Month 2019: What’s Cystic Fibrosis and How to Raise Awareness

Ever since the mid-1990s, May has been observed as National Cystic Fibrosis Awareness Month. This genetic disease affects around 30,000 people in the United States and more than 70,000 worldwide.¹ Even though the life expectancy of someone with cystic fibrosis has doubled in the past 30 years, patients still lose their lives to this dangerous disease every day. We here at Oxygen Always believe that education on cystic fibrosis and raising awareness can help us all fight against this deadly disease.

What is Cystic Fibrosis

In order to raise awareness of this National Cystic Fibrosis Month, we must first understand what it is and how it affects the body. Cystic fibrosis is an advancing genetic disease that can cause chronic lung infections and inhibits the ability to breathe. Mucus plays a huge factor in cystic fibrosis as it clogs airways and traps bacteria which leads to inflammation, infections, respiratory failure, and other problems.

CF can also cause mucus buildup in the pancreas preventing the release of digestive enzymes that aid the body in absorbing food and important nutrients. The blockage of digestive enzymes can cause malnutrition and poor growth as a result.

Symptoms of cystic fibrosis can include:

Salty-tasting skin
Chronic coughing, with phlegm at times
Constant lung infections such as pneumonia or bronchitis
Shortness of breath or wheezing
Difficult bowel movements

Oxygen Therapy for Cystic Fibrosis

There is an array of treatments that can help those with cystic fibrosis manage their condition. Treatments such as airway clearance, inhaled medicines, pancreatic enzyme supplements – just to name a few. With the consultation of your healthcare professional, you may also seek out oxygen therapy.

With plenty of home oxygen concentrators on the market, one can manage their cystic fibrosis from the comfort of their own home. The Respironics EverFlo Q and the Respironics Millennium M10 home oxygen concentrators are great for cystic fibrosis as they deliver a continuous flow of oxygen, which is great if someone with cystic fibrosis is experiencing shortness of breath.

For portable oxygen concentrators, the Respironics SimplyGo Mini is a great companion when you’re out and about as it’s Respironics’ smallest unit yet. This Respironics portable concentrator is extremely lightweight and it’s perfect for those who refuse to let their cystic fibrosis to keep them from traveling as it’s FAA approved!

Raising Awareness About Cystic Fibrosis

If you’re looking to do more than just educate yourself on cystic fibrosis, you can always take part in activities to help raise awareness this Cystic Fibrosis Month of 2019. You can join the conversation on social media by using the hashtag #CFAwarenessMonth to learn more about how you can do your part in raising awareness for CF.

Cystic Fibrosis is a dangerous respiratory disease to have, but with education and the help of others, we can all improve the quality of life for those who have it. Want to learn more about how you can do your part for National Cystic Fibrosis Awareness Month? Contact our knowledgeable staff at Oxygen Always to find out more.

Sources:

1 – Cystic Fibrosis Foundation – About Cystic Fibrosis