Cystic fibrosis is a life-threatening genetic disease common in white Australians. Patients look normal on the outside, but on the inside, their body is producing thick and sticky mucus from different glands. It affects the digestive (liver and pancreas), respiratory (lungs), and reproductive system. It’s usually diagnosed at birth and is not contagious. Unfortunately, this disease doesn’t have a cure, but continuous treatment can slow its progression and increase the chances of survival.

1. [[IINNSSEERRTT IIMMAAGGEE HHEERREE]]
The Case of Cystic
Fibrosis in Australia
Royal District Nursing Service
31 Alma Rd, St Kilda VIC 3182
Phone: 1300 33 44 55
Fax: 1300 65 72 65

2. Cystic fibrosis is a life-threatening genetic disease common in white Australians. Patients look normal on
the outside, but on the inside, their body is producing thick and sticky mucus from different glands. It
affects the digestive (liver and pancreas), respiratory (lungs), and reproductive system. It’s usually
diagnosed at birth and is not contagious. Unfortunately, this disease doesn’t have a cure, but continuous
treatment can slow its progression and increase the chances of survival.
How Many Are Affected?
Cystic fibrosis occurs in 1 in 2,500 births.
According to the Australian Cystic Fibrosis Data
Registry (2009), about 2,986 Australians are
suffering from this condition. Most of them
were healthy in terms of nutrition and lung
function as children, but their condition
declined rapidly in adolescence. This disease is
more common in men (52%) than in women
(48%).The median age is around 17.6 years old,
but many hospitals report that they
‘reencountering patients aged 18 years and
older.

3. What Is the Ideal Treatment?
Cystic fibrosis treatment can be demanding and time
consuming, but definitely worth it. In the past, patients
diagnosed with this condition don’t live longer in their
teens. At present, they can reach up to 30 years and
older with proper care. They can even participate in
physical activities, too.
According to the Better Health Channel, treatment
involves antibiotics, chest physiotherapy, enzyme
replacement capsules, inhalations (nebulizer or
compressed air pump), and supplementary vitamins.
Nursing services are also acceptable, as they work
closely with experts to provide holistic health care.
They also offer therapies to patients who underwent
transplant operations.
Cystic fibrosis is a progressive disease that causes different body complications. This doesn’t mean that patients
can’t live productive lives, though. As health institutions aim to correct such genetic defects, the only way to
support them is by giving them the ideal treatment from experts specialising in this field.
Sources:
http://www.betterhealth.vic.gov.au/bhcv2/bhcarticles.nsf/pages/Cystic_fibrosis
http://www.cysticfibrosis.org.au/cfa/data-registry
http://www.rdns.com.au/