Cystic Fibrosis (Cont.)

Diagnosing Cystic Fibrosis

The sweat test is the most common diagnostic test for cystic fibrosis. The sweat test measures the amount of salt in your sweat.
 
Other tests that can be used to help diagnose cystic fibrosis include:
 
  • A chest x-ray
  • A sinus x-ray
  • Lung function tests
  • Analysis of sputum cultures and/or stool samples
  • Genetic testing of a blood sample.
     
(Click Cystic Fibrosis Sweat Test for more information about the diagnostic test for cystic fibrosis.)
 

Current Treatment for Cystic Fibrosis

Antibiotics are the primary treatment for lung problems due to cystic fibrosis.
 
Other treatment options include:
 
  • Chest physical therapy
  • Exercise
  • Mucus-thinning drugs
  • Other medications to reduce inflammation in your airways and help to open them up.
     
Lung transplantation is an option for some people with cystic fibrosis.
 
The digestive problems in people with cystic fibrosis can be managed with:
 
  • Nutritional therapy
  • Enemas
  • Mucus-thinning drugs
  • Medications to reduce stomach acid.
     
Ongoing medical care from a team of healthcare providers who specialize in cystic fibrosis is important.
 
(Click Treatment for Cystic Fibrosis for more information about the treatment of this genetic disease.)
 

Cystic Fibrosis: Living With CF

Good cystic fibrosis self-management includes:
 
  • Eating a healthy diet
  • Avoiding tobacco smoke
  • Exercising frequently
  • Doing chest physical therapy every day
  • Drinking lots of fluids
  • Washing your hands often to reduce your chances of infection.
     
(Click Living With Cystic Fibrosis for more information about living with CF.)
 
(Cystic Fibrosis Continued: Page 4)

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Written by/reviewed by: Arthur Schoenstadt, MD
Last reviewed by: Arthur Schoenstadt, MD