September 21, 2013
Eastgate Shopping Center
1744 E. 70th st, Shreveport, LA United States

Additional Information

Team Maddie jo is holding a huge rummage sale Sept. 21st, 2013. It is to bring awareness to Cystic Fibrosis and to help lil Maddie Jo to get meds and medical equipment that her insurance does not cover.

It will be held at the Eastgate Shopping Center located at 1744 E. 70th st in Shreveport.

We have all kinds of stuff. Clothes, baby items, exercise equipment, and much much more. We will also be selling hamburger/hotdogs plates for $5.00, Snow cones, popcorn, and cotton candy for $1.00. Come on out and show your support for Team Maddie Jo. Your support is greatly appreciated!

WHAT IS CYSTIC FIBROSIS

Cystic fibrosis (CF) is a disease that is passed down hereditarily throughout the generations. It is a lethal disorder that mainly affects the glands of the lungs and pancreas. It eventually leads to a multi-system failure, which inevitable leads to death.

CF is often found in children at an early age, so new parents should familiarize themselves with the symptoms of this disease. If treated early, the life of a child can be significantly extended.

The main cause of cystic fibrosis is an alteration in a particular gene. This particular gene is important through its involvement in the correct functioning of primarily the lungs, the pancreas, the reproductive organs and the perspiration system. If this gene malfunctions, the disease develops.

1. Respiratory system

The most dangerous symptoms of cystic fibrosis are those that develop in the lungs.

Thick Mucus

In patients with cystic fibrosis, the mucus in the lungs is much thicker than usual. The purpose of mucus is to trap harmful elements such as bacteria and viruses. The phlegm is then passed from the lungs to the throat, where the body can easily cough out the infected mucus. However, in the case of thicker mucus in cystic fibrosis, the mucus is not easily excreted and clogs the lungs.

Infection

The clogged lungs are an ideal environment for bacteria. The body naturally reacts to bacteria by generating special cells to combat infection. When these white blood cells die, they release DNA into the mucus making the phlegm even thicker. Patients face continuous sequences of air obstruction, coughing, inflammation and infection.

Lung scarring

When severe infections develop, they will lead to permanent scar tissue in the lungs. Cystic fibrosis patients need to go through rigorous physical therapy everyday to keep the lungs free of mucus to avoid lung infections.

2. Pancreas

In cystic fibrosis patients, the pancreas ducts are obstructed by thick mucus, preventing enzymes from reaching the small intestine. Unfortunately, these enzymes are necessary to absorb fat, protein, starch and vitamins from food.

When there are no enzymes present during digestion, food passes through the digestive system without being processed. The body does not get the nutrition that it needs and this leads to malnutrition.

Some symptoms of malabsorption are:

  • Bulky and bad-smelling stools,
  • Vitamin deficiencies,
  • Swelling around the stomach,
  • Abdominal pain

3. Reproductive organs

Another common symptom in males with CF is infertility. This occurs because mucus blocks the passageways of sperm from the testes. Sperm production continues, but without a means to reach the ejaculatory tract, male patients become infertile.

Also, it is not widely known, but this disease can also cause infertility in women. The thickening of cervical mucus and malnutrition can disrupt ovulation and causes amenorrhea.

4. Hi salt content in perspiration

Another common symptom is salty perspiration. Cystic fibrosis patients tend to lose more salt during perspiration through the malfunctioning gene. When patients exercise or sweat in hot weather, they can have an imbalance blood mineral level. Patients need to eat salty foods every day in order to replenish salt levels.

Cure

There is currently no known cure for cystic fibrosis. Enormous progress was made last years and the life expectancy of CF patients is growing every day. With improving technology and good treatment, doctors are able to lengthen the life expectancy of patients to up to 40 or even 50 years.