Cystic Fibrosis

Cystic fibrosis (CF) is an inherited disease characterized by an abnormality in the body's salt, water- and mucus-making cells. While it is a chronic, progressive disease improved treatments have significantly extended life expectancy.

Many children today are diagnosed with cystic fibrosis (CF) before they have any symptoms. This is because of an increase in new born screening programs. Symptoms may include:

1. Salty tasting skin.
2. Chronic respiratory symptoms like wheezing, cough, and coloured sputum.
3. Lung infections.
4. Poor growth.
5. Constipation.
6. Greasy and bulky stools.
7. Respiratory symptoms. Most commonly cough, wheezing, or breathing difficulty.

Specific treatment for cystic fibrosis (CF) will be determined by your child's health condition based on:

1. Exercise.
2. Medications, such as bronchodilators and anti-inflammatories.
3. Antibiotics.
4. Chest physical therapy .

Management of digestive problems, which may involve:

1. Appropriate diet.
2. Pancreatic enzymes to aid digestion.
3. Vitamin supplements.
4. Treatments for intestinal obstructions.