Learning that your child has cystic fibrosis can be overwhelming. You may feel sad, guilty, scared, or even angry, but you are not alone. We are here to help.
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Learn about cystic fibrosis, a genetic disorder that affects the lungs, pancreas, and other organs, and how to treat and live with this chronic disease.
Learning that your baby has cystic fibrosis may come as a shock, especially if you do not have a family history of the disease, but you are not alone.
Starting solid foods is very important for the development and health of babies with cystic fibrosis.
At this age, you will want to start serving high-calorie finger foods and gradually boost calories with safe solid foods. It is important to create a routine and set time limits at mealtime.
Children with cystic fibrosis ages 3 to 7 learn by watching their family, parents, teachers, and friends. They like to be independent but need limits and structure. Have planned meals and snacks.
To help ensure your child's social, emotional, medical, and educational needs are being met at school, you may consider requesting an evaluation for an individualized education program or a 504 plan through your child's school.
When there is more than one person with CF in your school, it is essential that they be kept a minimum of 6 feet (2 meters) apart from each other. Germs can spread as far as 6 feet through droplets released in the air when people cough or sneeze.
Every person has two copies of the cystic fibrosis transmembrane conductance regulator (CFTR) gene. A person must inherit two copies of the CFTR gene that contain mutations — one copy from each parent — to have cystic fibrosis.
As children with cystic fibrosis transition toward greater independence at school and at home, they will also take greater responsibility in managing their disease.