Regular CF care center visits are important to maintain your health. The following tips are intended to help you make informed decisions to protect yourself and others from catching and spreading germs while at a care center visit, in the hospital or in any other health care setting.
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The Burkholderia cepacia complex (B. cepacia) consists of different species of bacteria that are found in the natural environment. Some of these species pose serious risks to the health of a person with cystic fibrosis.
Germs are everywhere, but there are things you can do to reduce your risk of getting sick. The following tips are intended to keep you informed so you can make the best decisions for yourself.
Medical studies show that people with CF are at particular risk of spreading certain germs among others with the disease. This is known as cross-infection.
Active cycle of breathing technique (ACBT) combines different breathing techniques that help clear mucus from the lungs in three phases. The first phase helps you relax your airways. The second phase helps you to get air behind mucus and clears mucus. The third phase helps force the mucus out of your lungs.
There are different ways to clear your airways. Most are easy to do. Infants and toddlers will need help from a parent or caregiver. Older kids and adults can choose airway clearance techniques (ACTs) that they can do on their own.
Although cystic fibrosis affects many parts of the body, the focus is often on the lungs because of the disease's effect on breathing.
Autogenic drainage (AD) means “self-drainage” and uses different speeds of breathing to move mucus. To do it, your respiratory therapist can teach you how to control your breaths. You will learn how fast and deeply to breathe to fill certain parts of your lungs with air. AD can take some practice and is usually recommended for people age 8 and older.
Chest physical therapy (CPT or Chest PT) is an airway clearance technique (ACT) to drain the lungs, and may include percussion (clapping), vibration, deep breathing, and huffing or coughing.
Coughing is the most basic airway clearance technique (ACT). It can be an involuntary reflex or it can be controlled as a healthy, natural way for the lungs to get rid of mucus.