Cystic fibrosis, PKU and the Digestive system

1. What are the symptoms of cystic fibrosis and PKU with respect to the digestive system?

Symptoms for cystic fibrosis include diarrhea that does not go away, foul-smelling stools, greasy stools, frequent urinating, frequent episodes of Pneumonia, persistent cough, skin tastes like salt, poor growth, chronic sinus infection.

When phenylalanine builds up it affects brain functions and the central nervous system. Some symptoms include: skin problems, neurological impairment, seizures, development delays and mental retardation.

2. How do the conditions affect the functioning of the digestive system?
CF mainly affects the pancreas. In CF, mucus can block tubes, or ducts in your …show more content…

They usually get help from a team of CF members including : doctors, nurses, nutritionists, social workers, physical therapists, respiratory therapists, psychologists, pharmarcists. They also take 4 different medications : antibiotics, anti-inflammatory, enzymes, mucolytics.

People who are diagnosed with PKU must follow a special diet that contains no protein. Another possible addition to the PKU diet may be a supplement called neutral amino acid therapy powder or tablets, this supplement may block some absorption of phenylalanine ( found in foods containing protein ). Or even a nutritional formula or drink/supplement or a protein substitute formula. Also the drug Sapropterin (kuvan) is used for the treatment of PKU.

6. Search for community support groups that help families with members with these conditions.

Cystic Fibrosis New South Wales:
They are a group/website that work to get people to give a certain amount of money each month to help with the cure of CF. Every year CFNSW hold a wide variety of fundraising events such as street stalls, trivia nights, lunches, head shaving, concerts and more.
MDjunction Phenylketonuria support group:
This is a community of patients, family memebers, and friends dedicated to dealing with Phenylketonuria, together and providing support for one another .

7.What tests can be done to identify sufferers and carriers of the condition?
Kids that are thought to have CF are tested with a chloride