cystic fibrosis

the problems CF sufferers face with digestion

• difficulty maintaining body mass because of the problems with the digestion and absorption of nutrients

• high basal metabolic rates ( minimum number of calories required for functions)

• poor appetites but have to eat more than most people, including high - energy food to obtain sufficient nutrients and energy

• they require 120 - 140% of the recommended daily energy intake

• may take food supplements that contain digestive enzymes -helps breakdown large food molecules

pancreatic duct:

• this becomes blocked by sticky mucus in patients with CF - impairing the release of digestive enzymes - lower concentration of enzymes reduces the rate of digestion

• therefore food is not fully digested = not all nutrients can be absorbed

  • faeces contain higher proportion of digested and undigested food ENERGY IS LOST

when the pancreatic enzymes become trapped behind the mucus blocking the pancreatic duct - these enzymes damage the pancreas itself

the cysts of hard, damaged or fibrosed tissue gives CF its name

• if damage occurs to cells within the pancreas that produce the hormone insulin - results in diabetes

effect of CF on the reproductive system

• females have a reduced chance of becoming pregnant

  • a mucus plug develops in the cervix - this stops sperm from reaching the egg

• males with cystic fibrosis lack vas deferens ( sperm duct) on both sides

  • sperm cant leave the testes

  • if vas deferens is present, can become partially blocked by a stick thicky mucus layer

    • fewer sperm present in each ejaculate