Question

Compare and contrast cystic fibrosis and pneumonia/influenza

Answer 1

Cystic fibrosis, Pneumonia/ Influenza

Respiratory system disorders are the commonly occurring disorders: it may be infectious disorders, allergic disorders or congenital disorders. Pneumonia, Influenza and Cystic Fibrosis are the disrders that affect respiratory system . Pneumonia and Influenza are infectious diseases whereas Cystic fibrosis is a congenital disorder.

Cystic fibrosis is an inherited condition in which the exocrine glands produce abnormally viscous mucus , causing chronic respiratory problems as well as digestive problems. It causes the mucous or secretions to be thick and sticky and it plugs the ducts, tubes and passages. The symptoms are repeated lung infections, cough, inability to gain weight etc.

Pneumonia is an acute or chronic inflammation of the lungs caused by viruses,bacteria or other microorganisms, or sometimes by chemical or physical irritants. In pneumonia air sacs may get filled with fluids and pus , causes cough, difficulty in breathing, fever and some time leads life threatening stage. It can spread through droplets from coughing and sneezing.    Influenza is an Acute contagious disease of the upper Airways and lungs , caused by virus , which rapidly spreads around the world in seasonal epidemics. It is a droplet infection , so it may spread as airborne infection , direct contact , touch etc. Runny nose , Head ache, fever, chills and fatigue are the common symptoms and it may get complicated to Pneumonia.  

Cystic fibrosis has no cure , but treatment can ease the symptoms, whereas Pneumonia/ influenza has treatment and can be cured with Antibiotics and symptomatic treatment like antipyretics, rest , fluid intake etc.