<p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size:14px;"><span style="font-family:arial,helvetica,sans-serif;"><strong>Content</strong></span></span></p>

<p style="text-align: justify;"><em><span style="font-size:14px;"><span style="font-family:arial,helvetica,sans-serif;">Causes</span></span></em></p>

<p style="text-align: justify;"><em><span style="font-size:14px;"><span style="font-family:arial,helvetica,sans-serif;">Symptoms</span></span></em></p>

<p style="text-align: justify;"><em><span style="font-size:14px;"><span style="font-family:arial,helvetica,sans-serif;">Exams and Tests</span></span></em></p>

<p style="text-align: justify;"><em><span style="font-size:14px;"><span style="font-family:arial,helvetica,sans-serif;">Treatment</span></span></em></p>

<p style="text-align: justify;"><em><span style="font-size:14px;"><span style="font-family:arial,helvetica,sans-serif;">Support Groups</span></span></em></p>

<p style="text-align: justify;"><em><span style="font-size:14px;"><span style="font-family:arial,helvetica,sans-serif;">Outlook (Prognosis)</span></span></em></p>

<p style="text-align: justify;"><em><span style="font-size:14px;"><span style="font-family:arial,helvetica,sans-serif;">Possible Complications</span></span></em></p>

<p style="text-align: justify;"><em><span style="font-size:14px;"><span style="font-family:arial,helvetica,sans-serif;">When to Contact a Medical Professional</span></span></em></p>

<p style="text-align: justify;"><em><span style="font-size:14px;"><span style="font-family:arial,helvetica,sans-serif;">Prevention</span></span></em></p>

<p style="text-align: justify;">&nbsp;</p>

<p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size:14px;"><span style="font-family:arial,helvetica,sans-serif;">Cystic fibrosis is a disease that causes thick, sticky mucus to build up in the lungs, digestive tract, and other areas of the body. It is one of the most common chronic lung diseases in children and young adults. It is a life-threatening disorder.</span></span></p>

<p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size:14px;"><span style="font-family:arial,helvetica,sans-serif;"><img src="https://www.zdrav.kz/images/refs3/cyst.jpg" /></span></span></p>

<h2 style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size:14px;"><span style="font-family:arial,helvetica,sans-serif;"><a id="1" name="1">Causes</a></span></span></h2>

<p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size:14px;"><span style="font-family:arial,helvetica,sans-serif;">Cystic fibrosis (CF) is a disease that is passed down through families. It is caused by a defective gene that makes the body produce abnormally thick and sticky fluid, called mucus. This mucus builds up in the breathing passages of the lungs and in the pancreas.</span></span></p>

<p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size:14px;"><span style="font-family:arial,helvetica,sans-serif;">The buildup of mucus results in life-threatening lung infections and serious digestion problems. The disease may also affect the sweat glands and a man&#39;s reproductive system.</span></span></p>

<p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size:14px;"><span style="font-family:arial,helvetica,sans-serif;">Many people carry a CF gene, but do not have symptoms. This is because a person with CF must inherit 2 defective genes, 1 from each parent. Some white Americans have the CF gene. It is more common among those of northern or central European descent.</span></span></p>

<p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size:14px;"><span style="font-family:arial,helvetica,sans-serif;">Most children with CF are diagnosed by age 2. For a small number, the disease is not detected until age 18 or older. These children often have a milder form of the disease.</span></span></p>

<h2 style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size:14px;"><span style="font-family:arial,helvetica,sans-serif;"><a id="2" name="2">Symptoms</a></span></span></h2>

<p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size:14px;"><span style="font-family:arial,helvetica,sans-serif;">Symptoms in newborns may include:</span></span></p>

<p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size:14px;"><span style="font-family:arial,helvetica,sans-serif;">&middot;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Delayed growth</span></span></p>

<p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size:14px;"><span style="font-family:arial,helvetica,sans-serif;">&middot;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Failure to gain weight normally during childhood</span></span></p>

<p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size:14px;"><span style="font-family:arial,helvetica,sans-serif;">&middot;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; No bowel movements in first 24 to 48 hours of life</span></span></p>

<p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size:14px;"><span style="font-family:arial,helvetica,sans-serif;">&middot;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Salty-tasting skin</span></span></p>

<p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size:14px;"><span style="font-family:arial,helvetica,sans-serif;">Symptoms related to bowel function may include:</span></span></p>

<p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size:14px;"><span style="font-family:arial,helvetica,sans-serif;">&middot;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Belly pain from severe constipation</span></span></p>

<p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size:14px;"><span style="font-family:arial,helvetica,sans-serif;">&middot;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Increased gas, bloating, or a belly that appears swollen (distended)</span></span></p>

<p style="text-align: justify;">&nbsp;</p>

<p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size:14px;"><span style="font-family:arial,helvetica,sans-serif;">&middot;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Nausea and loss of appetite</span></span></p>

<p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size:14px;"><span style="font-family:arial,helvetica,sans-serif;">&middot;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Stools that are pale or clay-colored, foul smelling, have mucus, or that float</span></span></p>

<p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size:14px;"><span style="font-family:arial,helvetica,sans-serif;">&middot;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Weight loss</span></span></p>

<p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size:14px;"><span style="font-family:arial,helvetica,sans-serif;">Symptoms related to the lungs and sinuses may include:</span></span></p>

<p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size:14px;"><span style="font-family:arial,helvetica,sans-serif;">&middot;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Coughing or increased mucus in the sinuses or lungs</span></span></p>

<p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size:14px;"><span style="font-family:arial,helvetica,sans-serif;">&middot;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Fatigue</span></span></p>

<p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size:14px;"><span style="font-family:arial,helvetica,sans-serif;">&middot;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Nasal congestion caused by nasal polyps</span></span></p>

<p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size:14px;"><span style="font-family:arial,helvetica,sans-serif;">&middot;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Repeated episodes of&nbsp;<a href="https://medlineplus.gov/ency/article/000145.htm">pneumonia</a>&nbsp;(symptoms of pneumonia in someone with cystic fibrosis include fever, increased coughing and shortness of breath, increased mucus, and loss of appetite)</span></span></p>

<p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size:14px;"><span style="font-family:arial,helvetica,sans-serif;">&middot;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Sinus pain or pressure caused by infection or&nbsp;<a href="https://medlineplus.gov/ency/article/001641.htm">polyps</a></span></span></p>

<p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size:14px;"><span style="font-family:arial,helvetica,sans-serif;">Symptoms that may be noticed later in life:</span></span></p>

<p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size:14px;"><span style="font-family:arial,helvetica,sans-serif;">&middot;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Infertility (in men)</span></span></p>

<p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size:14px;"><span style="font-family:arial,helvetica,sans-serif;">&middot;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Repeated inflammation of the pancreas (<a href="https://medlineplus.gov/ency/article/000287.htm">pancreatitis</a>)</span></span></p>

<p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size:14px;"><span style="font-family:arial,helvetica,sans-serif;">&middot;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Respiratory symptoms</span></span></p>

<p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size:14px;"><span style="font-family:arial,helvetica,sans-serif;">&middot;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Clubbed fingers</span></span></p>

<p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size:14px;"><span style="font-family:arial,helvetica,sans-serif;"><img src="https://www.zdrav.kz/images/refs3/cyst1.jpg" /></span></span></p>

<h2 style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size:14px;"><span style="font-family:arial,helvetica,sans-serif;"><a id="3" name="3">Exams and Tests</a></span></span></h2>

<p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size:14px;"><span style="font-family:arial,helvetica,sans-serif;">A blood test is done to help detect CF. The test looks for changes in the CF gene. Other tests used to diagnose CF include:</span></span></p>

<p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size:14px;"><span style="font-family:arial,helvetica,sans-serif;">&middot;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Immunoreactive trypsinogen (IRT) test is a standard newborn screening test for CF. A high level of IRT suggests possible CF and requires further testing.</span></span></p>

<p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size:14px;"><span style="font-family:arial,helvetica,sans-serif;">&middot;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Sweat chloride test&nbsp;is the standard diagnostic test for CF. A high salt level in the person&#39;s sweat is a sign of the disease.</span></span></p>

<p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size:14px;"><span style="font-family:arial,helvetica,sans-serif;">Other tests that identify problems that can be related to CF include:</span></span></p>

<p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size:14px;"><span style="font-family:arial,helvetica,sans-serif;">&middot;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Chest x-ray&nbsp;or&nbsp;CT scan</span></span></p>

<p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size:14px;"><span style="font-family:arial,helvetica,sans-serif;">&middot;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Fecal fat test</span></span></p>

<p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size:14px;"><span style="font-family:arial,helvetica,sans-serif;">&middot;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Lung function tests</span></span></p>

<p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size:14px;"><span style="font-family:arial,helvetica,sans-serif;">&middot;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Measurement of pancreatic function</span></span></p>

<p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size:14px;"><span style="font-family:arial,helvetica,sans-serif;">&middot;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Secretin stimulation test</span></span></p>

<p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size:14px;"><span style="font-family:arial,helvetica,sans-serif;">&middot;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Trypsin and chymotrypsin in stool</span></span></p>

<p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif;">&middot;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;</span>Upper GI and small bowel series</p>

<h2 style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size:14px;"><span style="font-family:arial,helvetica,sans-serif;"><a id="4" name="4">Treatment</a></span></span></h2>

<p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size:14px;"><span style="font-family:arial,helvetica,sans-serif;">An early diagnosis of CF and treatment plan can improve both survival and quality of life. Follow-up and monitoring are very important. When possible, care should be received at a cystic fibrosis specialty clinic. When children reach adulthood, they should transfer to a cystic fibrosis specialty center for adults.</span></span></p>

<p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size:14px;"><span style="font-family:arial,helvetica,sans-serif;">Treatment for lung problems includes:</span></span></p>

<p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size:14px;"><span style="font-family:arial,helvetica,sans-serif;">&middot;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Antibiotics to prevent and treat lung and sinus infections. They may be taken by mouth, or given in the veins or by breathing treatments. People with CF may take antibiotics only when needed, or all the time. Doses are often higher than normal.</span></span></p>

<p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size:14px;"><span style="font-family:arial,helvetica,sans-serif;">&middot;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Inhaled medicines to help open the airways.</span></span></p>

<p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size:14px;"><span style="font-family:arial,helvetica,sans-serif;">&middot;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Other medicines that are given by a breathing treatment to thin mucus and make it easier to cough up are DNAse enzyme. therapy and highly concentrated salt solutions (hypertonic saline).</span></span></p>

<p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size:14px;"><span style="font-family:arial,helvetica,sans-serif;">&middot;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Flu vaccine and pneumococcal polysaccharide&nbsp;vaccine&nbsp;(PPV) yearly (ask your health care provider).</span></span></p>

<p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size:14px;"><span style="font-family:arial,helvetica,sans-serif;">&middot;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Lung transplant&nbsp;is an option in some cases.</span></span></p>

<p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size:14px;"><span style="font-family:arial,helvetica,sans-serif;">&middot;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Oxygen therapy may be needed as lung disease gets worse.</span></span></p>

<p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size:14px;"><span style="font-family:arial,helvetica,sans-serif;">Lung problems are also treated with therapies to thin the mucus. This makes it easier to cough the mucus out of the lungs.</span></span></p>

<p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size:14px;"><span style="font-family:arial,helvetica,sans-serif;">These methods include:</span></span></p>

<p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size:14px;"><span style="font-family:arial,helvetica,sans-serif;">&middot;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Activity or exercise that causes you to breathe deeply</span></span></p>

<p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size:14px;"><span style="font-family:arial,helvetica,sans-serif;">&middot;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Devices that are used during the day to help clear the airways of too much mucus</span></span></p>

<p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size:14px;"><span style="font-family:arial,helvetica,sans-serif;">&middot;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Manual chest percussion (or chest physiotherapy), in which a family member or a therapist lightly claps the person&#39;s chest, back, and area under the arms</span></span></p>

<p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size:14px;"><span style="font-family:arial,helvetica,sans-serif;">Treatment for bowel and&nbsp;nutritional problems&nbsp;may include:</span></span></p>

<p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size:14px;"><span style="font-family:arial,helvetica,sans-serif;">&middot;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; A special diet high in protein and calories for older children and adults</span></span></p>

<p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size:14px;"><span style="font-family:arial,helvetica,sans-serif;">&middot;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Pancreatic enzymes to help absorb fats and protein, which are taken with every meal</span></span></p>

<p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size:14px;"><span style="font-family:arial,helvetica,sans-serif;">&middot;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Vitamin supplements, especially vitamins A, D, E, and K</span></span></p>

<p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size:14px;"><span style="font-family:arial,helvetica,sans-serif;">&middot;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Your provider can advise other treatments if you have very hard stools</span></span></p>

<p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size:14px;"><span style="font-family:arial,helvetica,sans-serif;">Ivacaftor is a medicine that treats certain types of CF. It improves the function of one of the defective genes that causes CF. As a result, there is less buildup of thick mucus in the lungs. Other CF symptoms are improved as well.</span></span></p>

<p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size:14px;"><span style="font-family:arial,helvetica,sans-serif;">Care and monitoring at home should include:</span></span></p>

<p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size:14px;"><span style="font-family:arial,helvetica,sans-serif;">&middot;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Avoiding smoke, dust, dirt, fumes, household chemicals, fireplace smoke, and mold or mildew.</span></span></p>

<p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size:14px;"><span style="font-family:arial,helvetica,sans-serif;">&middot;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Giving plenty of fluids, especially to infants and children in hot weather, when there is diarrhea or loose stools, or during extra physical activity.</span></span></p>

<p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size:14px;"><span style="font-family:arial,helvetica,sans-serif;">&middot;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Exercising 2 or 3 times each week. Swimming, jogging, and cycling are good options.</span></span></p>

<p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size:14px;"><span style="font-family:arial,helvetica,sans-serif;">&middot;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Clearing or bringing up mucus or secretions from the airways. This must be done 1 to 4 times each day. Patients, families, and caregivers must learn about doing chest percussion and postural drainage to help keep the airways clear.</span></span></p>

<p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size:14px;"><span style="font-family:arial,helvetica,sans-serif;"><img src="https://www.zdrav.kz/images/refs3/cyst2.jpg" /></span></span></p>

<h2 style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size:14px;"><span style="font-family:arial,helvetica,sans-serif;"><a id="5" name="5">Support Groups</a></span></span></h2>

<p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size:14px;"><span style="font-family:arial,helvetica,sans-serif;">You can ease the stress of illness by joining a&nbsp;<a href="https://medlineplus.gov/ency/article/002176.htm">cystic fibrosis support group</a>. Sharing with others who have common experiences and problems can help your family to not feel alone.</span></span></p>

<h2 style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size:14px;"><span style="font-family:arial,helvetica,sans-serif;"><a id="6" name="6">Outlook (Prognosis)</a></span></span></h2>

<p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size:14px;"><span style="font-family:arial,helvetica,sans-serif;">Most children with CF stay in good health until they reach adulthood. They are able to take part in most activities and attend school. Many young adults with CF finish college or find jobs.</span></span></p>

<p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size:14px;"><span style="font-family:arial,helvetica,sans-serif;">Lung disease eventually worsens to the point where the person is disabled. Today, the average life span for people with CF who live to adulthood is about 37 years.</span></span></p>

<p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size:14px;"><span style="font-family:arial,helvetica,sans-serif;">Death is most often caused by lung complications.</span></span></p>

<h2 style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size:14px;"><span style="font-family:arial,helvetica,sans-serif;"><a id="7" name="7">Possible Complications</a></span></span></h2>

<p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size:14px;"><span style="font-family:arial,helvetica,sans-serif;">The most common complication is chronic respiratory infection.</span></span></p>

<p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size:14px;"><span style="font-family:arial,helvetica,sans-serif;">Other complications include:</span></span></p>

<p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size:14px;"><span style="font-family:arial,helvetica,sans-serif;">&middot;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Bowel problems, such as gallstones, intestinal blockage, and rectal prolapse</span></span></p>

<p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size:14px;"><span style="font-family:arial,helvetica,sans-serif;">&middot;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Coughing up blood</span></span></p>

<p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size:14px;"><span style="font-family:arial,helvetica,sans-serif;">&middot;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Chronic respiratory failure</span></span></p>

<p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size:14px;"><span style="font-family:arial,helvetica,sans-serif;">&middot;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Diabetes</span></span></p>

<p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size:14px;"><span style="font-family:arial,helvetica,sans-serif;">&middot;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Infertility</span></span></p>

<p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size:14px;"><span style="font-family:arial,helvetica,sans-serif;">&middot;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Liver disease or liver failure, pancreatitis, biliary cirrhosis</span></span></p>

<p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size:14px;"><span style="font-family:arial,helvetica,sans-serif;">&middot;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Malnutrition</span></span></p>

<p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size:14px;"><span style="font-family:arial,helvetica,sans-serif;">&middot;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Nasal polyps and sinusitis</span></span></p>

<p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size:14px;"><span style="font-family:arial,helvetica,sans-serif;">&middot;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Osteoporosis and arthritis</span></span></p>

<p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size:14px;"><span style="font-family:arial,helvetica,sans-serif;">&middot;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Pneumonia that keeps coming back</span></span></p>

<p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size:14px;"><span style="font-family:arial,helvetica,sans-serif;">&middot;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Pneumothorax</span></span></p>

<p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size:14px;"><span style="font-family:arial,helvetica,sans-serif;">&middot;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Right-sided heart failure (cor pulmonale)</span></span></p>

<h2 style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size:14px;"><span style="font-family:arial,helvetica,sans-serif;"><a id="8" name="8">When to Contact a Medical Professional</a></span></span></h2>

<p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size:14px;"><span style="font-family:arial,helvetica,sans-serif;">Call your provider if an infant or child has symptoms of CF, and experiences:</span></span></p>

<p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size:14px;"><span style="font-family:arial,helvetica,sans-serif;">&middot;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Fever, increased coughing, changes in sputum or blood in sputum, loss of appetite, or other signs of pneumonia</span></span></p>

<p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size:14px;"><span style="font-family:arial,helvetica,sans-serif;">&middot;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Increased weight loss</span></span></p>

<p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size:14px;"><span style="font-family:arial,helvetica,sans-serif;">&middot;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; More frequent bowel movements or stools that are foul-smelling or have more mucus</span></span></p>

<p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size:14px;"><span style="font-family:arial,helvetica,sans-serif;">&middot;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Swollen belly or increased bloating</span></span></p>

<p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size:14px;"><span style="font-family:arial,helvetica,sans-serif;">Call your provider if a person with CF develops new symptoms or if symptoms get worse, particularly severe&nbsp;<a href="https://medlineplus.gov/ency/article/003075.htm">breathing difficulty</a>&nbsp;or coughing up blood.</span></span></p>

<h2 style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size:14px;"><span style="font-family:arial,helvetica,sans-serif;"><a id="9" name="9">Prevention</a></span></span></h2>

<p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size:14px;"><span style="font-family:arial,helvetica,sans-serif;">CF cannot be prevented. Screening those with a family history of the disease may detect the CF gene in many carriers.</span></span></p>

<p style="text-align: justify;">&nbsp;</p>

<p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size:14px;"><span style="font-family:arial,helvetica,sans-serif;"><strong>Source</strong>&nbsp;<a href="https://medlineplus.gov/ency/article/000107.htm">https://medlineplus.gov/ency/article/000107.htm</a></span></span></p>
