Cystic fibrosis is a lung disorder in which the lungs produce a thick sticky mucous. Early detection in infants is usually meconium plugs or ileuses, salty sweats, and failure to thrive. Later in life, the symptoms may progress to bloody sputum, clubbing of extremities, polyps in nose or sinuses, and chronic infection.
Patients with cystic fibrosis have a poor prognosis. Patients only live til into their mid 30s. Cystic fibrosis is a genetic disorder. There are no cures, but lung transplants can give the patients a longer life expectancy.
Lab tests, chest x-rays, CT chest scans, and lung function tests (LFTs) are used to diagnosis cystic fibrosis.
Controlling cystic fibrosis requires a regiment of medications and good nutrition. Chest percussion and exercise also help to keep the lungs from producing as much mucous.
CYSTIC FIBROSIS
CT SCAN
