If you have Cystic Fibrosis then the following information may answer some of your questions about your condition and will provide some useful links to other websites.

What is the cause of Cystic Fibrosis (CF)

CF is caused by a single gene that controls the movement of salt within your body. For a child to be born with CF both parents must be carriers of the gene. Each child born to these parents has a 1 in 4 chance of having Cystic Fibrosis. This does not mean that only one of four children can inherit the illness.

What happens in Cystic Fibrosis?

Internal organs become blocked with thick, sticky mucous leading to infections and inflammations making it hard to breathe and digest food.

Living with Cystic Fibrosis

Physiotherapy

Physiotherapy is the way that the sticky mucous is cleared from the lungs. If the airways are cleared it will help to reduce the risk of infection and damage to your lungs.

Diet

In Cystic Fibrosis the channels that carry the digestive juices become blocked with mucous. The enzymes then build up in the pancreas,which results in the organ becoming inflamed and damaged. This means that people with CF need to have enzyme replacement tablets to help them digest their food.

Enzyme supplements should be taken with meals and snacks, as this means you will get energy from your meals and snacks.

Exercise

Physical activity or exercise is an important part of the treatment of CF. It helps to prevent deterioration of the lungs and improves strength. Try and have good posture and do your stretching exercises as they maintain full movement in your joints and muscles in your shoulders and chest.

Remember, if you have CF its important to stay healthy- so why not check out the healthy eating and exercise, drugs, alcohol and smoking and general health pages on this site?

Common Medications (Lungs)

• Bronchodilators – these open the airways by relaxing the surrounding muscles
• Antibiotics – given to treat or control persistent infections
• Steroids – reduces airway inflammation
• DNase – breaks down the mucous which makes it easier to clear with physiotherapy

Useful Links

www.cftrust.org.uk
www.cff.org
www.angelfire.com
www.kidshealth.org
www.pwcf.net
www.cysticfibrosis.com

Useful Portsmouth City Information

St Mary’s Hospital
Milton Road
Portsmouth
PO3 6AD
02392 286000

Queen Alexandra Hospital
Southwick Hill Road
Cosham
Portsmouth
PO6 3LY
02392 286000

Specialist Nursing Team
Jason Witts
02392 286000 ext 3445