Cystic Fibrosis
By Jennifer Clark
Why I chose CF
History of CF
 Very New
 Misdiagnosed
 1930s
 Swiss pediatrician Dr. Fanconi
 Celiac Syndrome
 Dr. Dorothy Anderson
 1940-present
Causes
 Both parents to child
 CF patients have an abnormal cystic fibrosis
transmembrane conductance regulator
(CFTR) gene.
Symptoms/Signs
 Usually begins with simple complications
 1st symptom
 Excessive Coughing – leads to scarred lungs
 Clubbing
 Salt Content
 Infertility
Diagnosing CF
 Most are diagnosed at birth or before age 2
 Sweat Test
 Genetic Testing
Treatments
 No Cure
 Vary from person to person – ITP
 Treatments for lung infections
 ACTs
 Breathing Techniques
Psychological/Social Factors
 Can live a normal lifestyle
 No cure
 Genetic mutation is from mother and father
Relevance to Child Life
 Frequent hospital visits
 Breathing treatments
 Isolation
Relevant Information
 NO summer camps
 Cystic Fibrosis Foundation
 Great Strides Walk
 Bibliotherapy
 Robyn’s Book
 Alex: The Life of a Child
References
About cystic fibrosis. (n.d.). Retrieved from
http://www.aboutcysticfibrosis.com/
Cystic fibrosis foundation. (n.d.). Retrieved from
http://www.cff.org/

Chronic Illness: Cystic Fibrosis