The Effects of Caffeine, Alcohol, and Tobacco in Cystic Fibrosis

Individuals suffering from the chronic disease cystic fibrosis have various complications due to the weakening characteristics of the disease. The complications of this disease manifest primarily in the lungs and digestive system, and, when consumed in tandem with various drugs, the effects can potentially be more significant when compared to the effects of drugs in individuals who do not have cystic fibrosis. The substances caffeine, alcohol, and tobacco affect patients with cystic fibrosis in a number of ways that are similar to the general population but have the potential to exacerbate preexisting conditions and symptoms that may further impede the body's normal functions. Research has shown the potentially fatal outcomes of chronic abuse of alcohol and tobacco in the general population, but not many have identified the possible effects these substances have on individuals living with cystic fibrosis.