Cystic fibrosis (CF) presents a unique set of challenges throughout each stage of the lifespan. With proper management, people with CF can conquer these challenges and live productive, quality lives.
Have you ever been in a situation where you just couldn't get along with your doctor? Maybe you've even felt trapped -- frustrated with the care you were receiving but afraid that moving on would limit your access to treatment. What did you do to work out your differences with your doctor?
When you and your doctor don't see eye to eye, it's a recipe for disaster that can interfere with your treatment. Find out what you should do if you and your doctor aren't getting along.
What kind of doctor should you go to get the best possible treatment for cystic fibrosis? Once you find the right doctor, what should you do to establish care?
Many cystic fibrosis medications are given with a machine called a nebulizer. Learn how to use a nebulizer in a few simple steps.
Influenza is a serious threat to people with cystic fibrosis, and preventing it is easier than treating it. Find out what you need to do to protect yourself from the flu.
If the United States switches to a nationalized health care system, do you think access to care will be better or worse for people with chronic illness?
If you've been living with cystic fibrosis for a while, you have probably heard about the three foot rule. If you haven't heard about it, you will. Find out what the three foot rule is, and why it is an important rule for you to follow.
Are your antimicrobial wipes making your house dirty? They might be, if you're not using them correctly.
You don't have to buy expensive cleaning products to kill germs in your home. Ordinary household bleach can be diluted to make a solution that's strong enough to kill most germs. Learn how to mix and use a bleach disinfectant solution safely.
Are you wondering how youre going to cover the expense of cystic fibrosis treatment? Find out about some resources that may be available to you, and areas where you may be able to cut corners.
Your Guide to Cystic Fibrosis reviews the book "Sixtyfive Roses: A Sister's Memoir" by Heather Summerhayes Cariou.
What do people living with cystic fibrosis say the newly diagnosed should know? Get advice from those who have been there, or share your own tip for living with CF.
Are you wondering what to expect when your child is in the hospital? Arm yourself with the knowledge you need to alleviate the fear of the unknown. Learn about the roles of the different caregivers you may have, differences in routine you may encounter, and some procedures that are commonly ordered for people with cystic fibrosis.
Share your story about living with cystic fibrosis.
Your child has just been diagnosed with cystic fibrosis. What should you do next? Learn what your five most important first steps should be.
Recognizing signs of trouble is one of the most important things you can do to help your cystic fibrosis team keep things running smoothly between clinic visits. Learn what they are so you can head trouble off at the pass.
Do you know what to do to keep your feeding tube working as it should? Do you know how to recognize the signs of infection? What should you do if your feeding tube come out or becomes clogged? Get answers to these and other feeding tube dos and donts.
You know smoking is bad for you, but how does second hand smoke effect those with cystic fibrosis? How much smoke exposure is safe, and how much is dangerous? Find the answers to these, and other common questions about second-hand smoke and cystic fibrosis.
Spirometry is one of several tests during pulmonary function testing. Learn what spirometry is, how spirometry is done, and what the results mean for people with cystic fibrosis.
People with cystic fibrosis need to have pulmonary function tests done several times a year.
Getting caught in a disaster without a safety plan is not a good idea for anybody, but for people with cystic fibrosis and other chronic illnesses, lack of planning can lead to unnecessary tragedy and preventable loss of life. Dont wait for imminent disaster to start thinking about how youll stay safe.
One little girl's story about living with cystic fibrosis (CF). Read about the struggles Zoe and her family endured in her first year and the events that led to her CF diagnosis. Find out what a day in Zoe and her family's life is like and what Zoe's parents say are the four most important things parents can do for their child with cystic fibrosis.
Living with cystic fibrosis requires a lot of planning, work, and sacrifice. Learn strategies to help cope with the demands, ease the chaos, and settle in to a normal life.
Most people with cystic fibrosis receive treatment at specialized CF care centers. Learn about CF center team members, goals of treatment, and guidelines for care.
Guidelines to help cystic fibrosis patients plan safe summer activities.
Find inspiration by reading the stories of some notable cystic fibrosis (CF) patients. Despite living with the challenges of CF, the people in these stories have achieved success.
Exercise is beneficial to people with cystic fibrosis for many reason. One major benefit is that exercise can strengthen the immune system and help fight the nasty infections that people with CF are prone to. Learn more about exercise and immunity from the A.D.A.M. Health Encyclopedia.