Chronic Productive Cough Since Childhood - Could it be CF?

I'm wondering if I may have CF. I have had a chronic productive cough since childhood, along with frequent sinus and lung infections. Most of my doctors have assumed it is asthma and allergies, which I have been treated for, but the symptoms do not improve. I am allergic to certain molds, dust mites, and a few random plants. I have tried everything, but I have constant congestion in my lungs that I cannot cough up. I currently take Zyrtec, Symbicort, and Singulair prescribed by my doctor. I take Mucinex OTC because it has been the only thing to help at all, but it doesn't always help me even. I have also had unexplained digestive issues and severe abdominal pain off and on since childhood. Doctors blamed the pain on constipation and acid reflux, but I am now thinking it may be related. Does anyone have experience with being diagnosed in adulthood? The symptoms have been present my whole life, but they did not do genetic testing when I was born. Could they have missed it?

Your answer

A_K

1y ago

I was 6 months old when I was diagnosed so maybe I could help. Yes we have a bunch of the same things wrong with eachother but you really can’t or won’t know what’s wrong before you go to get tested, so if I were you I would ask your parent/guardian or if you are a adult to go see a CF doctor! Hope it helps❤️

MunchkinMinx

2y ago

I was diagnosed when I was 3. So I can't help you there. However I went through a time almost 4 months where I stopped taking my meds (super depressive episode) and from what you're saying is exactly like how I felt when I stopped taking my meds. And even how I feel now when I get super sick. I would defiently ask a doctor to see if you could get a sweat chloride test done to see if you possibly have it. I wish you luck!

PhoneticElk

2y ago

:0 I've had similar experiences and I always feel congested. I've never thought about CF before as a possible cause. Though I don't know much about it. I might look into it.

trinityy

2y ago

i was diagnosed at 3 months old

Lane

2y ago

Hi! I don’t have CF but I do have asthma and I was diagnosed quite late in the game. Your symptoms do seem to line up with CF, but maybe it’s something to bring up to your doctor! You seem very nice:)

Fake

2y ago

I was diagnosed at 17. I had always had mild respiratory symptoms but never thought it was a problem, thought maybe it was asthma or something. I got diagnosed because I developed pancreatitis, which could very well be the pain you’re experiencing. My doctors were the ones who brought up the possibility, not me, but I’d suggest it if I were you. It’s always good to consider every possibility because the sooner you find out what’s wrong, the sooner you can get better. It’s pretty easy to diagnose—I got two sweat tests and then they took my blood to check my genes and sure enough there was the CF mutation. They might also take blood from one or both of your parents if they can to make sure the mutations are actually on separate genes and not the same genes. Everyone’s experience is different but that’s mine and I feel sooo much better now. Good luck!!

The content in this post is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition.

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