The Mexican Institute of Social Security (IMSS) in Yucatán provides information about cystic fibrosis and the services it offers for this condition, which is characterized by being chronic and primarily affecting the respiratory and digestive systems. An early diagnosis and appropriate treatment can reduce symptoms and improve the quality of life for patients.
Dr. María José Bravo Chang, clinical coordinator of Internal Medicine, explained that cystic fibrosis is a lung disease that occurs more frequently in children and young adults. It is characterized by the formation of abnormal, thicker mucus with imbalanced salt levels in the respiratory system, leading to the progressive formation of mucus plugs in the airways, which can infect, deform, and even severely damage the lungs, resulting in a poor quality of life.
This condition also causes the digestive system to not absorb nutrients from food properly and can lead to diarrhea. This can result in severe malnutrition and stunted growth in children.
“It should be noted that cystic fibrosis is a hereditary disorder in which both parents are usually asymptomatic carriers of the disease,” the specialist noted.
Symptoms of cystic fibrosis vary, and it is possible for some people not to experience symptoms until adolescence or adulthood. However, some signs that may be present include: episodes of coughing lasting more than three weeks; persistent cough producing thick mucus; respiratory infections; wheezing in the chest; and sinusitis, as well as abnormal bowel movements with fat, poor weight gain, and episodes of dehydration.
If you experience the aforementioned symptoms, it is important to visit your IMSS Family Medicine Unit, where your doctor will perform a thorough evaluation and provide the appropriate treatment for your case or, if necessary, refer you to a specialist at the second level of care.
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