Cystic Fibrosis

 

What is Cystic Fibrosis?

Cystic fibrosis is a genetic disorder that affects the digestive, respiratory, and reproductive systems. This condition is caused by mutations in the cystic fibrosis transmembrane conductance regulator gene, or CFTR, which regulates the flow of salt and fluids through cells within the body.

​

Cystic fibrosis produces thick, sticky mucus that clogs the lungs, making breathing difficult and increasing the risk of respiratory infections. It also affects the digestive system, leading to problems with digestion and nutrient absorption. Additionally, it can disrupt the reproductive system, causing infertility in some people.

​

What causes Cystic Fibrosis?

Cystic fibrosis is caused by mutations in the cystic fibrosis transmembrane conductance regulator, or CFTR. The CFTR gene is responsible for producing a protein that regulates salt and water transport through cells in various organs, including the lungs, pancreas, and liver.

​

The CFTR protein is either absent or not functioning properly in those with cystic fibrosis, which leads to the buildup of thick, sticky mucus in the airways, pancreas, and other organs. This mucus can block the trachea, making breathing difficult and increasing the risk of lung infections. It can also clog the pancreatic ducts, preventing digestive enzymes from reaching the small intestine and leading to malnutrition.

​

Cystic fibrosis is an autosomal recessive disorder, meaning a person must inherit two copies of the mutated CFTR gene, one from each parent, to develop the condition. If only one mutated CFTR gene is inherited, they are carriers of the disease but do not have the disorder themselves.

​

What are the symptoms of Cystic Fibrosis?

Symptoms of cystic fibrosis can vary from one person to another. Common signs and symptoms of the disease include persistent cough with thick mucus, frequent lung infections such as pneumonia or bronchitis, shortness of breath or wheezing, difficulty breathing, poor growth or weight gain regardless of appetite, and foul-smelling or greasy stools.

​

Additional symptoms frequently experienced are abdominal pain and discomfort, difficulty digesting food and absorbing nutrients, infertility in men due to a blockage in the vas deferens, and irregular menstrual cycles in women.

​

How is Cystic Fibrosis treated?

Various treatment methods are used to manage the symptoms of cystic fibrosis and improve quality of life. Common treatments for the disease include airway clearance techniques, medications, nutritional support, and lung transplant.

​

Airway clearance techniques help to loosen and remove mucus from the lungs and passageways. These techniques include physical chest therapy, vibrating vests, and delivering oscillating vibrations to the chest by a handheld device.

​

Several medications can help manage the symptoms of cystic fibrosis. Antibiotics are prescribed to treat lung infections, and bronchodilators are used to expand the airways. Mucus-thinning medications, such as dornase alfa, can help reduce lung mucus thickness.

​

Cystic fibrosis often results in difficulty absorbing nutrients from food. To stimulate nutrient absorption, enzyme supplements, and a high-calorie diet can be used to maintain a healthy weight.

 

In severe cases of cystic fibrosis, a lung transplant may be necessary to treat end-stage lung disease caused by the condition.

​

How does Cystic Fibrosis affect brain wellness?

Those with cystic fibrosis often experience brain-related complications that fluctuate in severity. Common conditions caused by the disorder that affects the brain are hypoxia, nutrient deficiencies, inflammation, and medication side effects.

​

Hypoxia, or a lack of oxygen, is a prevalent symptom of cystic fibrosis due to the thick mucus that builds up in the lungs. This condition deprives the brain of oxygen, leading to cognitive impairment, memory loss, and other neurological complications.

​

Cystic fibrosis can also affect the absorption of nutrients in the digestive system, leading to deficiencies in essential vitamins and minerals necessary for proper brain function. Vitamin E deficiency, for instance, has been linked to cognitive decline and neurological problems.

​

Chronic inflammation caused by the disease can lead to oxidative stress and brain cell damage. This ailment can result in cognitive impairment, mood disorders, and other neurological issues.

​

Medications used to help manage cystic fibrosis symptoms include antibiotics and corticosteroids, which can have side effects that impact brain function. Also, some antibiotics used to treat the condition increase the risk of experiencing cognitive decline and dementia.

 

How can Brain Frequency™ help?

The Brain Frequency™ AI system is an innovative therapeutic approach to improving brain health and wellness. We use proprietary science-based technology to promote optimal brain functioning across mental, emotional, physical, and social domains. Our diagnostic technology and individualized treatment protocols help decrease or eliminate trauma-related symptoms and various mental health disorders.

​

The Brain Frequency™ 3 Step Treatment Process consists of; first, performing a Baseline EEG and completing Psychometric Assessments; second, conducting a Brain Frequency Consultation; and third, Initiating Treatment.

An Electroencephalogram (EEG) analyzes brain waves and produces a brain map identifying current and optimal frequencies in 19 areas of the brain. Based on the individualized brain map, Brain Frequency™ will determine possible diagnoses of various mental health disorders or brain trauma for the provider to consider during treatment. Brain Frequency™ AI software provides clinicians with an "Approval Ready" treatment plan using personalized protocols based on each patient's needs.

 

Those suffering from symptoms of cystic fibrosis can efficiently and effectively improve their brain health and wellness by using the Brain Frequency™ AI system. Our innovative system drastically reduces the time needed to properly diagnose and construct treatment plans leading to a faster recovery and greater quality of life.

​

RESOURCES

 

Substance Abuse & Mental Health Service Administration (SAMHSA): https://www.samhsa.gov/

​

Health Resources & Services Administration (HRSA): https://www.hrsa.gov/

​​

National Institute of Mental Health (NIMH): https://www.nimh.nih.gov/

​

Center For Disease Control & Prevention (CDC): https://www.cdc.gov/

American Psychological Association (APA): https://www.apa.org/

​

National Institutes of Health (NIH): https://www.nih.gov/

​

National Suicide Prevention Line: https://988lifeline.org/

​

National Library of Medicine: https://medlineplus.gov/

​

Mayo Clinic: https://www.mayoclinic.org/

 

WebMD: https://www.webmd.com/