Cystic Fibrosis

Cystic fibrosis is an inherited, life-threatening, chronic disease that that causes mucus to build up and clog some of the organs in the body, particularly in the lungs and pancreas. This mucus can make breathing very difficult and can trap bacteria in the airways, causing lung inflammation and infections that lead to lung damage.

Symptoms of cystic fibrosis:

• Salty-tasting skin
• Persistent coughing, at times with phlegm
• Frequent lung infections, like pneumonia or bronchitis
• Wheezing or shortness of breath
• Poor growth/weight gain in spite of a good appetite
• Frequent greasy, bulky stools or difficulty in bowel movements
• Nasal polyps

Treatment

There is no cure for cystic fibrosis. Treatment can vary from child to child, but most often includes the following:

• Pancreatic enzyme supplements to help with digestion
• Multi-vitamins
• Airway clearance, which can range from coughing to several specialized techniques, at least once and sometimes up to four or more times a day.
  Medications inhaled through a nebulizer