We use your sign-up to provide content in ways you’ve consented to and to improve our understanding of you. This may include adverts from us and 3rd parties based on our understanding. You can unsubscribe at any time. More info

Cystic Fibrosis Trust explain what causes the disease

People with a serious lung conditions are having their lives put at risk by soaring energy bills, a charity has warned.

Cystic Fibrosis (CF) affects around 10,900 people in the UK and causes sticky mucus to build up in the lungs and digestive system.

Those with CF are more prone to lung infections and living in an unheated cold home this winter could increase their risk of becoming unwell.

According to the charity Cystic Fibrosis Trust worried callers to their helpline are having to make unthinkable choices just to get by.

In one instance a mother of a young child with CF reported she was choosing not to eat to make sure her little boy was fed and kept warm.

Another caller revealed he had been sleeping in his car and using the heater there because he was too afraid of getting into debt with his energy supplier.

Worryingly the charity have also heard from CF patients who were missing vital medical appointments because they had to make the choice between travelling or heating and eating. 

There is no respite with energy bills on the horizon with the Chancellor Jeremy Hunt announcing the energy price cap will rise from £2,500 a year to over £3,000.

Matthew Delooze, helpline and support programmes manager, said: “We are hearing from people who are simply terrified of putting their heating on or using energy.

“People with CF will typically use more energy due to having to keep their homes warm to stave off lung infections and keep themselves well.

“They may need to run more washing cycles to wash clothing that needs cleaning more often, or they may need extra appliances, such as a larger fridge or extra fridge to store medication.

“Or they may be running medical equipment like ventilators. It’s vital that people with CF are supported to keep their homes warm this winter.

“We are also hearing that people are missing important medical appointments because they can’t afford to travel as they are saving what money they do have for food and heating.”

Matthew said as well as the physical dangers for those with CF, the mental pressures of the cost of living crisis were also mounting.

He said: “People are often quite distressed when they get in touch with us. We are trying to offer support where we can but people are struggling.

“Through the helpline, we are doing our best to keep people well, with financial support through our welfare grants and benefits advice.

“What we are seeing is people coming to us who have not needed to reach out for help before and who are hitting crisis point.

“A year or so ago, say if someone had a broken appliance they could take that financial hit, whereas now we are seeing people struggling to cushion that cost.”

David Ramsden, Chief Executive of Cystic Fibrosis Trust, said: “Many people with cystic fibrosis are in a desperate situation and face a very challenging winter.

DON’T MISS: Christmas turkey prices soaring as cost of living crisis bites 

“While it is relief that the Chancellor has responded to our call for benefits to be increased in line with inflation, this increase needs to be implemented immediately, rather than waiting until April 2023.

“Even before this latest crisis 1 in 3 people told us they were missing vital hospital appointments because of concerns about the cost of travel, and we fear this will get worse.

 “We also know that the existing pressures on the NHS budget have put a huge strain on resources needed to provide lifesaving specialist care for people with cystic fibrosis. It is vital that the Government ensures that people with CF receive the specialist care and support they need for the long term, and that their health is not a victim of this crisis.”

Those needing assistance can call the helpline Monday to Friday 10am – 4pm on 03003731000

Source: Read Full Article