Cystic fibrosis
There's currently no cure for cystic fibrosis, but it's possible to helpcontrol the symptoms, prevent orreduce complications, and make the condition easier to live with.
A person with cystic fibrosis will be supported by ateam of healthcare professionals at a specialist cystic fibrosis centre. A care plan will be drawn up that's tailored to their individual needs.
A range of treatments may beused and sometimes treatment in hospital will be needed. Regular appointments to monitor the condition will also be recommended.
Some of the main treatments for cystic fibrosis include:
Medications to treat and prevent lung problems
Airway clearance techniquestoremove mucus from the lungs
Dietary and nutritional advice
Treatments for associated problems,such as diabetes
People with cystic fibrosis may need to take a number of different medicines to treat and prevent lung problems. These may be swallowed, inhaled or injected.
Some of the main medicines for cystic fibrosis are:
It's alsoimportant that people with cystic fibrosis are up to date with all routine vaccinations and have the flu jab each year once they're old enough.
In addition to medication, special techniques can be used to help keep the lungs and airways clear. A physiotherapist can give you advice.
Some of the main techniques include:
Your care team can provide more information on the techniques mentioned above. The Cystic Fibrosis Trust also has information on airway clearance techniques .
For people with cystic fibrosis, getting the right nutrition is vital in helping them develop normally and stopping them becoming frequently ill.
However, the majority of people with cystic fibrosis cannot digest food and absorb nutrients from when they're a baby. Occasionally, the condition can cause the pancreas to become damaged over time, causing the same problem.
A dietitian will advise on what you can do to help avoid malnutrition . They may recommend:
The Cystic Fibrosis Trust has information on eating well with cystic fibrosis . It also has various factsheets, including nutrition advice for adults and children .
In severe cases of cystic fibrosis, when the lungs stop working properly and all medical treatments have failed to help, a lung transplant may be recommended.
A lung transplant is a serious operation that carries risks, but it can greatly improve the length and quality of life for people with severe cystic fibrosis.
The outlook for people with cystic fibrosis is often better than for many transplant patients, as they're often younger and in better general health. It'sestimated that up to 9 out of 10 people will survive for at least a year after a transplant.
The Cystic Fibrosis Trust has information on lung transplants in cystic fibrosis .
People with cystic fibrosis can have a number of other problems that may benefit from treatment.
For example:
The Cystic Fibrosis Trust has information on cystic fibrosis-related diabetes .
Cystic fibrosis is an inherited condition in which the lungs and digestive system can become clogged with thick, sticky mucus. Read about the symptoms, causes and treatments.
Cystic fibrosis can cause a range of problems. The lungs and digestive system are the main areas that are affected.
Cystic fibrosis is caused by a faulty gene that a child inherits from both their parents. The condition is present from birth and cannot be caught from someone else who has it.
Read about the tests that may be carried out to diagnose cystic fibrosis, including newborn screening tests, the sweat test and genetic testing.
Read about the main treatments for cystic fibrosis, including medications, airway clearance techniques, nutritional advice and lung transplants.
Lauren, 14, talks about living with cystic fibrosis and how she doesnt let it stop her from doing the things she loves.