Clinical Definition of Cystic Fibrosis
Cystic fibrosis is an inherited disorder that causes severe damage to the lungs, digestive system and other organs in the body. Cystic fibrosis affects the cells that produce mucus, sweat and digestive juices. These secreted fluids are normally thin and slippery. But in people with cystic fibrosis, a defective gene causes the secretions to become sticky and thick. Instead of acting as a lubricant, the secretions plug up tubes, ducts and passageways, especially in the lungs and pancreas.
Symptoms
The thick and sticky mucus associated with cystic fibrosis clogs the tubes that carry air in and out of your lungs and increases bacteria and infections. This can cause signs and symptoms such as:
- A persistent cough that produces thick mucus (sputum)
- Wheezing
- Breathlessness
- Exercise intolerance
- Repeated lung infections
- Inflamed nasal passages or a stuffy nose
How Does Salt Therapy Assist Cystic fibrosis?
Inhalation of the salt particles reduces the inflammation and congestion of the mucosal lining of the airways and can often reduce the production of sputum by coating the cilia fibres with salt.The cilia fibers within the airway for sufferers are coated in excessive mucous, so the salt molecules attach to the cilia fibers allowing the mucous to dry up and be removed (via sputum).
This reduces the bacteria reducing lung infections and will provide relief from coughing, wheezing and general tightness across the chest.