Cystic fibrosis (CF) is an inherited disease. It causes a defect in certain cells of the lung and digestive systems. The defect makes the cells produce a thick, sticky mucus. This mucus can cause:
- Blockages in the lungs and airways
- Problems digesting and absorbing nutrients
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CF is a serious life-long condition, but the severity of the illness can vary greatly. The average life expectancy for someone with CF is about 35 years. Although, some with mild forms of CF can live to age 60 or beyond.
The abnormally thick mucus of CF blocks certain organs. This causes many of the symptoms of CF.
Symptoms in infants may include:
- Difficulty passing the first stool
- Salty sweat
- Intestinal obstruction, sometimes requiring surgery
Mucus that causes blockages in the lungs may lead to:
- Coughing and wheezing
- Shortness of breath
- Difficulty with exercise
- Abnormally shaped clubbed finger tips
- Malformed chest
Mucus can also block the pancreas. This can block enzymes used to help you digest food. This can lead to:
- Bulky, bad-smelling, floating stools, due to poor digestion of fats
- Trouble gaining weight
- Poor growth
- Failure to thrive
Other symptoms may include:
- Jaundice or other symptoms of liver disease
- Chronic nasal congestion from chronic sinus infections
- Rectal prolapse
- Nasal polyps
- Excessive thirst or urination that may indicate diabetes mellitus type 2
- Stomach pain or swelling from intestinal blockage
- Prevention of sperm production in males
- Mildly decreased fertility in females
Overall, girls are affected more severely than boys.
You will be asked about your symptoms and medical history. A physical exam will be done. CF is suspected in a child with classic symptoms, especially if a sibling has CF.
CF is often diagnosed by symptoms, family history of CF, or a positive screening test in newborns. The diagnosis may be confirmed with genetic testing. Other lab tests that may be used to confirm CF include:
- Sweat chloride testing
- Transepithelial nasal potential difference measurement
Your lungs may be tested. This may be done to look for symptoms or to determine treatment. Tests may include:
- Chest and/or sinus x-rays
- Lung function tests
- Sputum cultures
Tests may also be needed to check the pancreas. These tests may be done to assess symptoms or determine treatment.
There is no cure for CF. Treatment is aimed at:
- Improving the amount of nutrition your body receives
- Preventing and treating lung and sinus infections
- Keeping the airways and lungs as clear as possible
Treatment for CF includes:
Better nutrition will help improve overall health. It will also improve growth and development in children. Children who have returned to normal weight within 2 years of the diagnosis have fewer coughing episodes and better lung function. Some nutritional steps that may help include:
- A high-calorie diet planned by a registered dietitian
- Nutritional supplements, including fat-soluble vitamins
- Pancreatic enzyme tablets with meals to improve digestion and absorption of nutrients
- Drinking lots of fluids and salt replacement, especially in hot weather or during illnesses
Managing Lung Infections
Thick mucus in the airways increases the risk of respiratory infections. The infection can also be more severe because of the mucus. Treatment of a current infection often requires antibiotics. Prevention of new infections may be done with:
- Antibiotics (usually inhaled)
Lung and Airway Support
Medications help keep the airways clear. Most will be delivered through an inhaler or nebulizer. Medications may include:
- Bronchodilators—to relax muscles and open the airway
- Mucolytic agents—to reduce mucus and help it move out of the lung
- Steroid inhalers—to decrease swelling and irritation (only when necessary)
Other steps that may help clear mucus from the lungs include:
- Hypertonic saline is a special type of salt water. A nebulizer machine creates a mist of this saline, which is inhaled. The mist may help thin out the mucus in the lungs.
- Chest percussion is rhythmic clapping over the chest. They may help clear mucus from airways. It is most helpful if done at least twice per day.
Oxygen therapy may be required as the disease progresses. Ventilation may also be needed. Talk to your doctor about whether these are options for you.
Surgery may be required to treat blockages in the intestine. Lung and liver transplants may also be considered.
Support is important for those with CF and their families. Ask you doctor about local support groups or counseling options.
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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American Lung Association http://www.lung.org
Cystic Fibrosis Foundation http://www.cff.org
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