Cystic fibrosis, a condition suffered by the main characters, is a multisystem genetic disease with no cure.
The film “Five steps away from you“, released in 2019, addressed, through a novel, the cystic fibrosisa genetic disease. The plot follows Starplayed by Haley Lu Richardsona young woman who spends much of her time in hospital due to her condition. During her hospitalization she meets Want, From Cole Sprousehe also suffers from the same disease.
Despite both being kept at a distance due to the risk of cross-contamination, they end up falling in love. Stella is awaiting a lung transplant, while Will participates in a study on a drug that can fight a serious bacterial infection. Watch the movie trailer:
In real life, the precautions depicted in the film are a reality for cystic fibrosis patients. According to experts, these people are very susceptible to bacterial infections, some of which are particularly dangerous and resistant to conventional treatments.
The gastroenterologist Alexander Carlos explained that cross-contamination can occur through airborne droplets, such as sneezing, coughing, or even during close conversation. Therefore, maintaining a safe distance from other patients is an essential preventive measure. “Since both are prone to infection due to low disease resistance, they can infect each other at any time.”he declared in an interview with CNN.
What is Cystic Fibrosis?
Cystic fibrosis is a multisystem disease, meaning it affects multiple organs in the body. It is a serious, inherited condition that primarily affects the lungs, digestive system, and sweat. According to Walter Gurtovencopulmonologist and technical director of the MedViana ClinicThe disease affects both the cells that produce mucus and those that produce gastric juice.
The disease affects the lungs, causing thickened mucus, blocking the airways, and making it easier to have frequent lung infections. It also attacks the pancreas, preventing the release of essential digestive enzymes, making it difficult to digest and absorb nutrients, and the intestines, which can cause intestinal discomfort and difficulty absorbing nutrients. It also affects the liver, causing blockages in the bile ducts, and can affect the reproductive system, reducing fertility (especially in men).
Symptoms can be observed from early in life and include difficulty gaining weight, poor growth, loss of fat in the stool, increased pulmonary secretion, chronic sinusitis, and infertility in males. Diagnosis is usually made through newborn screening tests.
The condition progresses to repeated respiratory infections, chronic sinusitis, diabetes, and liver disease.
There is currently no cure for cystic fibrosis. However, advances in treatment have significantly improved the quality and life expectancy of patients. According to Alexandre Carlos, new treatments with channel modulators in medical settings have provided a better quality of life. “For this reason he is able to live with the disease without many problems and pulmonary complications”he explained.
Treatments vary depending on the disease condition and may include:
- Medicines: Antibiotics, bronchodilators, drugs to thin mucus and improve lung function.
- Nutritional supplements and pancreatic enzymes: They aid digestion and nutrient absorption.
- Respiratory physiotherapy: Techniques to help remove mucus from the lungs.
- Lung transplant: Considered in the most serious cases.
Source: Terra
Ben Stock is a lifestyle journalist and author at Gossipify. He writes about topics such as health, wellness, travel, food and home decor. He provides practical advice and inspiration to improve well-being, keeps readers up to date with latest lifestyle news and trends, known for his engaging writing style, in-depth analysis and unique perspectives.
