Cystic Fibrosis and the Ventolin Inhaler

Cystic fibrosis causes breathing difficulties due to a build up of mucus in the lungs as well as an increased susceptibility to respiratory infection. The Ventolin inhaler has been used by cystic fibrosis sufferers to relieve some of the breathing symptoms associated with the disease. The article gives a brief description of what cystic fibrosis is, how it is caused and why the Ventolin inhaler is used to relieve some of its symptoms.

What is cystic fibrosis?

Cystic fibrosis is an inherited genetic disease affecting sufferers from birth. It has a detrimental impact on several organs, the most important of which in terms of this article are the lungs. Due to increased mucus production the lungs may become inflamed and prone to infection. Repeat infections such as pneumonia can lead to permanent damage to the lungs, harming their ability to function properly. This can become so severe that a lung transplant may be needed to allow the patient to breath properly.


What causes cystic fibrosis?

Cystic fibrosis is an inherited genetic disorder. It is caused by the inheritance of two copies of a defective gene from your parents. This defect causes the breathing problems and other symptoms common to cystic fibrosis sufferers. If you only have one copy of the gene you won't be affected by cystic fibrosis but will instead be a carrier. A carrier is capable of passing the disease onto their children if their partner is also a carrier or sufferer.

How does the Ventolin inhaler help with cystic fibrosis?

The Ventolin inhaler can help with the symptoms of cystic fibrosis as part of a treatment regimen. This is because it helps to relax your airways allowing breathing to take place easier by increasing air flow to the lungs. Other methods will also be used to improve lung mucus removal, reduce inflammation and prevent or treat infections when the occur. Used in combination these methods can drastically improve a multiple sclerosis sufferers' ability to breath.

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