Although cystic fibrosis affects many parts of the body, the focus is often on the lungs because of the disease's effect on breathing.
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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.
Positive expiratory pressure (PEP) therapy gets air into the lungs and behind the mucus using extra (collateral) airways.
Bronchodilators may widen airways by helping the surrounding muscles relax. This could allow more air to travel through the airways, which may help other medications work more effectively.
Pregnant women with cystic fibrosis will need to be more closely monitored than the average pregnant woman. Learn how you can partner with your CF care team and obstetric team to effectively manage your pregnancy.
Becoming pregnant after a lung transplant is possible, but is associated with increased complications. Learning more about post-transplant pregnancy can help you understand the potential risks and health implications.
Delayed puberty is common among young men with CF, but working with your CF care team to ensure you get good nutrition can help encourage healthy development and growth.
While 97-98 percent of men with cystic fibrosis are infertile, they can still enjoy normal, healthy sex lives and have biological children with the help of assisted reproductive technology (ART).