Cystic fibrosis
(CF)
Cystic fibrosis (CF) - a life-threatening
disorder that causes severe lung damage and
nutritional deficiencies - used to be a genetic
mystery, and most people with the disease didn't
live beyond their teens. But researchers have made
progress in unraveling the genetic basis of CF,
which has led to earlier detection. In addition,
improved and more consistent treatments now allow
people with CF to live into their 30s and 40s and
even beyond, and to have fuller, more comfortable
lives.
Self-care
If you
have a child with CF, one of the best things you can do is to learn as
much as possible about the disease. Diet, medication and early
recognition of infection are important.
Also
important is performing daily chest percussion to drain mucus from your
child's lungs. Your doctor or respiratory therapist can show you the
best way to perform this lifesaving procedure.
In
addition, the following steps can help aid your child's health:
-
Keep your
child's immunizations up-to-date.
This includes your child's pneumococcal and influenza vaccines. CF
doesn't affect the immune system, but children with CF are more
likely to develop complications when they become sick.
-
Encourage
your child to lead as normal and active a life as possible.
Exercise is extremely important for people of all ages who have CF.
Regular exercise helps loosen mucus in your airways and strengthens
your heart and lungs. And for many people with CF, participating in
sports can improve confidence and self-esteem.
-
Make sure
your child eats a healthy diet.
Be sure to discuss your child's dietary needs with your doctor or a
nutritionist.
-
Use
nutrition supplements.
Provide the fat-soluble vitamin supplements and pancreatic enzymes
your child needs to stay as healthy as possible.
-
Emphasize
liquids.
Encourage your child to drink plenty of liquids to help loosen the
mucus. This is especially important in the summer when children are
active and tend to lose a lot of fluids.
-
Eliminate
smoke.
Don't smoke in your home or car, and don't allow other people to
smoke around your child. Secondhand smoke is harmful for everyone,
but especially for people with CF.
-
Encourage
hand washing.
Teach everyone in your family to wash their hands thoroughly before
eating, after using the bathroom, when coming home from work or
school, and after being around a person who is sick. Hand washing is
the best way to protect against infection.
