How does CF increase the risk of lung infections?

Question 1

Why are micro-organisms and bacteria not removed from the body of a CF patient as easily?

Answer 1

The mucus is much thicker and stickier than normal so the cilia cannot beat and remove the mucus from the airways.

Question 2

What happens when the mucus is not removed from the airways?

Answer 2

Layers of mucus build up in the airways which encourages the growth of bacteria and reduces the amount of oxygen able to pass into the alveoli.

Question 3

Why ate there low levels of oxygen in the mucus?

Answer 3

1. Oxygen diffuses much more slowly across the mucus
2. The epithelial cells within CF patients use much more oxygen than usual.
3. Harmful bacteria can thrive in anaerobic conditions