Cystic Fibrosis
Overview
Causes
A child with CF has faulty genes from each parent. Parents who have the gene, but do not have CF, are called carriers.
SymptomsandDiagnosis
Symptoms
Some people have few or no symptoms. Others can have severe, life-threatening symptoms. Common problems are:
- Salty sweat
- A lasting coughing
- Coughing up thick or bloody mucus
- Wheezing or problems breathing
- Weight loss
- Poor growth (in children)
- Being less active, such as missing school or work
Treatments
Treatment
Diet Changes
Managing Infections
Lung and Airway Support
Other Treatment
There is no cure for CF. It can be managed by:
- Making dietary changes
- Managing lung and sinus infections
- Keeping the airways and lungs clear
Options are:
Diet changes are needed to improve nutrition. This can be done with:
- A high-calorie diet planned by a dietitian
- Supplements, such as fat-soluble vitamins and pancreatic enzyme tablets
- Adding salt to the diet during hot weather or illnesses
Thick mucus raises the risk of severe infections. Antibiotics help treat and prevent them. Yearly flu shots should also be given.
Medicines help keep the airways clear. Options are:
- Bronchodilators—to relax muscles and open the airway
- Mucolytic agents—to reduce mucus and help it move out of the lungs
- Steroid inhalers—to ease swelling and irritation (only when needed)
Other things that may help clear the airways include:
- Inhaling hypertonic saline, a special type of salt water
- Chest percussion— rhythmic clapping over the chest
People with severe breathing problems may need oxygen therapy or ventilation.
Some people with severe symptoms may need lung transplant surgery. This is used when other methods do not help. Surgery may also be done to treat blockages in the intestine.
This content is reviewed regularly and is updated when new and relevant evidence is made available. This information is neither intended nor implied to be a substitute for professional medical advice. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider prior to starting any new treatment or with questions regarding a medical condition.
Edits to original content made by Denver Health.
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