Questions most often asked about CF

What is Cystic Fibrosis (CF)???

Tue, 01 Nov 2005 11:28:13 MST

Cystic fibrosis (CF) is a genetic disease affecting approximately 30,000 children and adults in the United States. A defective gene causes the body...
Posted by Charla Schriever
Location: Connor's Corner

What are the Symptoms?

Tue, 01 Nov 2005 11:29:27 MST

People with CF have a variety of symptoms including: very salty-tasting skin; persistent coughing, at times with phlegm; wheezing or shortness of...
Posted by Charla Schriever
Location: Connor's Corner

How is one diagnosed with CF?

Tue, 01 Nov 2005 13:09:20 MST

The sweat test is the standard diagnostic test for CF. A sweat test should be performed at a CF Foundation-accredited care center where strict...
Posted by Charla Schriever
Location: Connor's Corner

Treatment and Outlook

Tue, 01 Nov 2005 13:10:18 MST

The treatment of CF depends upon the stage of the disease and the organs involved. Clearing mucus from the lungs is an important part of the daily...
Posted by Charla Schriever
Location: Connor's Corner

WHY can't Connor be around other CF kids/patients?

Tue, 01 Nov 2005 13:25:00 MST

CF patients can transmit a certain number of dangerous bacterias to eachother. For example, pseudomonas is a common bacteria, but can be very...
Posted by Charla Schriever
Location: Connor's Corner

WHY does he need to stay away from anyone who is sick or who has been sick?

Tue, 01 Nov 2005 13:24:14 MST

People with CF get sick extremely easy and what is a cold to a healthy person and can go away in a couple days, but to someone with CF it can...
Posted by Charla Schriever
Location: Connor's Corner

WHY does Connor have to get clapping done, and how often?

Tue, 01 Nov 2005 13:18:27 MST

Connor gets the clapping (CPT) done, to loosen up mucus in his lungs. He does this twice a day in 8 different spots around his chest for 3 minutes...
Posted by Charla Schriever
Location: Connor's Corner

WHY does Connor do breathing treatments and how many does he have?

Tue, 01 Nov 2005 13:16:01 MST

Connor does breathing treatments for a couple of reasons. In the morning, he has Albuterol (to open the airways and break up mucus) and Pulmozyme...
Posted by Charla Schriever
Location: Connor's Corner

Why does Connor take enzymes?

Tue, 01 Nov 2005 13:12:21 MST

Connor takes enzymes before every meal because, due to mucus blockage, his pancreas does not work. Your pancreas helps you absorb vitamins,...
Posted by Charla Schriever
Location: Connor's Corner

WHY does Connor have to have a high fat, high protein, high caloric, high salt diet?

Tue, 01 Nov 2005 13:29:53 MST

He must have extra fat, protein and calories because he does not absorb these well due to his insufficient pancreas. If he didn't eat this way, he...
Posted by Charla Schriever
Location: Connor's Corner

DOES CF affect Connor mentally?

Tue, 01 Nov 2005 13:28:14 MST

No, not at all! He's very smart, if I do say so myself :o)
Posted by Charla Schriever
Location: Connor's Corner

WILL Connor "grow out of" CF?

Tue, 01 Nov 2005 13:27:19 MST

NO. CF is a genetic disease. That would be like growing out of brown eyes (LOL!). That would be wonderful, but no. It only will get worse until...
Posted by Charla Schriever
Location: Connor's Corner

DOES Connor have a mild form?

Tue, 01 Nov 2005 13:33:04 MST

No. Connor has two mutations (one from me, one from Matt). They are both the Delta F508 mutations and this is the most common mutation. Most people...
Posted by Charla Schriever
Location: Connor's Corner