The Major Effects of Cystic Fibrosis on Relationship

Cystic fibrosis is a life threatening disorder that can result to nutritional deficiencies and severe lung damage. The condition does not only pose threat to the affected individual but the relationships surrounding him as well. It is therefore important to anticipate the effects of cystic fibrosis on relationship to avoid further problems. Understanding the consequences of the disease can help the significant others adjust to the needs of the ill individual.

Here are some major effects of cystic fibrosis on relationship.

1. The Family

Family relationship has to be maintained or established with such disease condition. The first group of people who will be affected is the family. They are responsible for taking care of the sick individual and they are accountable for whatever happens to the patient. They are also expected to bring the child or teenager to the doctor's office so proper management can be instituted.

Mother and Child

Cystic fibrosis is a condition that can be seen even before the child is born. Once the condition is made known to the mother, there are several effects that can occur in the relationship. Here are some of the possibilities:

• The mother may feel depressed over the child's condition. If the symptoms of depression become worse, it is important to bring the mother to a psychologist for proper treatment.
• Anger and hostility are also expected effects of cystic fibrosis on relationship. The mother may feel anger towards the child or one's self.
• Denial is one of the early effects of cystic fibrosis on relationship. The mother may seek ways to treat the child completely even when there aren't really means to do so.

Child and the Rest of the Family

Effects of cystic fibrosis on relationship are also apparently noted between the child and the members of the family. Here are some examples:

• If there are other children in the family, there is a tendency for them to empathize with the sick individual. Other times, they may feel hostile especially when all attention is focused on the sick individual.
• Exhaustion is one of the common effects of cystic fibrosis on relationship. The significant others may feel too tired to take care of the sick individual.

2. The effects of cystic fibrosis of relationships at work

When the individual reached the age of maturity and he gets to work with other people, there may be certain effects in the social environment.

The people surrounding the individual may not fully understand the condition and may bring several problems in the workplace. Employment is also a crucial step since there are many consequences of hiring a person with this disease.

3. Effects of cystic fibrosis on a relationship for couples.

• Problems of acceptance of the disease by the partner.
• Feeling of tiredness, investing a lot of time in nebulizers and physical therapies are daily tasks that need to be done which has an effect on the relationship.
• Regular hospital visits can also put a lot of stress on the partner.
• Difficulties of getting pregnant as a woman or sterility for husbands can also have negative effects on the relationship of cystic fibrosis patients.
• Depression can also be experienced when having cystic fibrosis. Partners need to be strong and support each other.

With proper use of coping mechanisms and the support of people surrounding the sick individual, these unhealthy effects of cystic fibrosis on relationship can be easily stopped and prevented.

Disclaimer: This website provides general information about cystic fibrosis and in no means should be taken as a medical or health advice. Please consult your doctor before acting on any of its information.