Medicine
Fact-checked

At WiseGEEK, we're committed to delivering accurate, trustworthy information. Our expert-authored content is rigorously fact-checked and sourced from credible authorities. Discover how we uphold the highest standards in providing you with reliable knowledge.

Learn more...

What are the Best Tips for Cystic Fibrosis Management?

Marisa O'Connor
Marisa O'Connor

The best tips for cystic fibrosis management vary with each individual and will be best determined in a consultation between the patient and doctor. The first instructions for managing this disease will be given to parents, as it often presents itself very early in life. Cystic fibrosis can be made manageable by addressing the symptoms of the disease and preventing flare-ups, but there is currently no cure for this disease.

Cystic fibrosis is a hereditary condition that presents itself very early in life. Parents of babies diagnosed with this disease will receive tips on cystic fibrosis management for their infant. Fortunately, advances in treatment of this disease have come a long way. Parents will be given instructions for physiotherapy and massaging the chest to help ease breathing, as well as administering proper diet, supplements, and medications for the child.

Each case of cystic fibrosis is unique, and treatment plans should be developed through patient-doctor consultation.
Each case of cystic fibrosis is unique, and treatment plans should be developed through patient-doctor consultation.

Cystic fibrosis management will largely vary depending on how the disease is affecting the person. Symptoms of this disease can range from severe to very mild and may affect different parts of the body in different people. If the disease is causing a lot of digestive problems, the management of the disease may center around nutritional supplements combating the digestive issues. When the cystic fibrosis is causing breathing problems, management will be centered on therapies that aid breathing. Pain management is often a large part of treating cystic fibrosis.

Up-to-date therapy and management of cystic fibrosis includes inhaled medications and airway clearance techniques.
Up-to-date therapy and management of cystic fibrosis includes inhaled medications and airway clearance techniques.

A very important aspect of cystic fibrosis management is staying away from environments where the air contains a lot of pollutants. These pollutants may be pollens and other allergens in the air, such as smoke, chemicals, or smog. People with cystic fibrosis are particularly susceptible to lung infection. When chronic infections affect the lungs, it can result in permanent lung damage, so awareness of the air breathed by a person with cystic fibrosis is critical.

Exercise is one of the key components of cystic fibrosis management. Due to the sensitive nature of the medical condition, however, the types of exercises someone with cystic fibrosis can do are limited. The specialist working with the patient will be familiar with the unique details of his or her physical condition and can lay out guidelines for safe exercise routines. Before engaging in new adventures that involve physical activity, be sure to check in with the doctor to make sure the activity is safe.

Staying hydrated is great advice for everyone, as the body needs water to function properly, and this is especially true in regard to cystic fibrosis management. A person with cystic fibrosis is going to be more affected by dehydration, as it will increase the thickness of mucus. This exacerbates the already thick mucus, which causes the sever breathing difficulties in people suffering from cystic fibrosis.

Discuss this Article

Post your comments
Login:
Forgot password?
Register:
    • Each case of cystic fibrosis is unique, and treatment plans should be developed through patient-doctor consultation.
      By: JackF
      Each case of cystic fibrosis is unique, and treatment plans should be developed through patient-doctor consultation.
    • Up-to-date therapy and management of cystic fibrosis includes inhaled medications and airway clearance techniques.
      By: joshya
      Up-to-date therapy and management of cystic fibrosis includes inhaled medications and airway clearance techniques.