Understanding Cystic Fibrosis (CF): Causes, Symptoms, and Management

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Cystic Fibrosis (CF)

by Alike Medical Team ∙ Updated on June 13, 2023

Additional names

This group contains additional names: - CF

General

Cystic Fibrosis is a genetic disorder that causes severe damage to the lungs and digestive system- such as pancreas, liver and intestines. Cystic Fibrosis affects cells that produce mucus, sweat and digestive juices. In people with CF, because of a mutated CFTR gene, these cells produce thick and sticky fluid that build up and plug the tubes, ducts and passages between the cells in these organs. .The CFTR gene controls movement of water and salt in and out of the body’s cells. CF complications may include bronchiectasis, chronic infections, nasal polyps, hemoptysis, pneumothorax, respiratory failure, nutritional deficiencies, diabetes,liver disease, intestinal obstruction, distal intestinal obstruction syndrome, infertility and more. Today, it is possible to test for CF mutation before pregnancy or before the baby is born.

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Signs & symptoms

Symptoms of CF vary, and can begin in different ages. Symptoms may include salty taste of the skin, wheezing, cough,shortness of breath, recurrent lung infections, stuffy nose and sinuses. greasy, foul-smelling stools, constipation, nausea, swollen abdomen, loss of appetite, poor weight gain, and delayed growth.

Diagnosis

Every newborn in the US today is screened for CF by a blood test checking for a higher than normal level of immunoreactive trypsinogen (IRT). Sweat chloride test is the most common way used for diagnosis of CF, which checks for salt in the sweat.

Treatment

Cystic fibrosis has no cure but many treatments make CF patients live longer and better. Medications that target gene mutation including a new medication that combines three drugs to treat the most common genetic mutation causing CF and is considered a major achievement in treatment. Antibiotics are prescribed for infections, NSAIDs to lessen swelling in the lung airways,Mucus-thinning drugs, inhaled bronchodilators,oral pancreatic enzymes, stool softeners, acid- reducing medications and diabetes treatment.

Note

☝ We provide information on prescription and over-the-counter medicines, diagnosis, procedures and lab tests. This material is provided for educational purposes only and is not medical advice, diagnosis or treatment.

National Institutes of Health ∙ World Health Organization ∙ MedlinePluse ∙ Centers for Disease Control and Prevention

☝ All information has been reviewed by certified physicians from Alike

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Fever is a reaction of the immune system as it responds to (what it perceives to be) a threat. Beyond that, it could mean a lot of things. People with autoimmune diseases can get fevers frequently. I've been diagnosed with long covid and ME/**CFS**, and that's one of my symptoms. A friend of mine has rheumatoid arthritis and gets fevers, too. It'd be a good idea to make a note of when you have a fever and what other symptoms you have at the same time. It can help you see patterns and help your doctor find an answer!

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Cystic Fibrosis (CF)

Additional names

General

"Alike is the place to get answers from people who firsthand share your health challenges"

Signs & symptoms

Diagnosis

Treatment

Note

Latest Discussions

Alike Wisdom

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