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For this informative capsule we went to Son Espases Hospital to talk to Dr. Joana Maria Riera about the importance of hydration in Cystic Fibrosis, especially now that the warmer season is coming, when there is more risk of dehydration.
Causes of dehydration in Cystic Fibrosis
Dr. Joana Maria Riera, pediatrician and specialist in the digestive system, tells us that the F508del mutation, which causes Cystic Fibrosis, causes secretions to be thicker due to an alteration in the fluids.
Therefore, when having this disease, a greater amount of salt is excreted, for example, through sweat, so it is very important to take into account the possible dehydration in hot weather.
Dehydration symptoms
In infancy they may present symptoms of fatigue, apathy and lack of hunger. In adulthood, the symptoms are similar with a feeling of thirst and the sensation of fatigue, since they have lost enough salt and the sodium in blood presents low levels.
A curious thing is that the sensation of thirst is not always present. In the case of girls and boys, you have to be very careful because they do not realize it (they may even refuse to take a bottle).
In the case of adults, they usually regulate themselves.
How to prevent dehydration
As tips to prevent dehydration, Dr. Riera recommends supplementing with salt and avoiding exposure and exercise during the hottest hours and, if you have to be exposed, wear a hat and some protection.
How to supplement
The healthiest hydration is water, although since they lose salt, it is necessary to provide extra salt, either with sodium chloride ampoules or by adding more salt to the food. It is not recommended to prepare this drink with salt at home.
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