Health library / CYSTIC FIBROSIS
CYSTIC FIBROSIS
- Cystic fibrosis is a progressive, genetic disease that causes persistent lung infections and limits the ability to breathe over time.
Symptoms
- Meconium Ileus
- Chest Pain
- Cough (With Thick Mucus)
- Recurrent Wheezing
- Recurrent Pneumonia
- Shortness Of Breath
- Difficulty In Gaining Weight
- Diarrhoea
- Constipation
- Greasy, Foul-Smelling Stools
- Loss Of Appetite
- A Stuffy Nose
Causes
- Cystic fibrosis occurs due to mutation or change in the “cystic fibrosis transmembrane conductance regulator” gene, or CFTR gene.
Risk Factors
- An Inherited Disorder
- Diagnostic Tests
- Genetic test for detecting defective CFTR gene Sweat Chloride Test
- Immunoreactive Trypsinogen (IRT) Test
- CT Scan
- Sputum microbiology
- Pulmonary function testing
- Differential Diagnosis
- Acute Sinusitis
- Bronchiolitis
- Nutritional Considerations in Failure to Thrive
- Pediatric Aspergillosis
- Pediatric Asthma
- Pediatric Bronchiectasis
- Pediatric Celiac Disease
- Primary Ciliary Dyskinesia
- Short Stature
- Treatments
- No cure for cystic fibrosis.
- Treatments are available that relieve symptoms and reduce the risk of complications include
- Chest Physical Therapy
- Nasal polyp removal
- Pneumothorax
- Oxygen therapy
- Endoscopy and lavage
- Rectal prolapse
- Lung transplant
- Gastrostomy tube placement for supplemental feeding
- Medications
- Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs
- CFTR Potentiators
- Bronchodilators
- Oral pancreatic enzymes
- Antibiotics
- Mucus-thinning medications
- Lifestyle Management
- Drink plenty of fluids
- Exercise regularly
- Avoid smoke, pollen, and mold
- Get influenza and pneumonia vaccinations regularly
- Music therapy
- Relaxation exercises