Influenza, or “the flu,” is a highly contagious respiratory illness that is caused by a virus. For people with cystic fibrosis, getting the flu may cause a worsening of symptoms and lead to a faster decline in lung function.
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The faulty gene that causes cystic fibrosis disrupts the normal flow of salt and water in and out of the lungs and other organs. This salt imbalance results in thick, sticky mucus that builds up in the lungs, allowing germs to thrive and multiply.
The Cystic Fibrosis Foundation has been carefully following the story of a 10-year-old girl with cystic fibrosis who has severe lung disease and has been on a pediatric lung transplant list for 18 months. Her family has organized an online petition and filed a lawsuit to help her receive an adult donor lung.
There are many things you can do to help reduce the risk of getting or spreading germs while traveling.
It is important to understand that having a lung transplant can be expensive before, during, and after the transplant. Your health insurance may cover many of the costs, but not all of them.
Aspergillus species is a fungus that often lives in the airways of children and adults with cystic fibrosis. When people develop an allergic reaction to Aspergillus, it is called allergic bronchopulmonary aspergillosis.
Whether you're considering a lung transplant or maintaining your health if you've had a transplant, this list can help you learn about transplant centers, including the one your cystic fibrosis care team may have referred you to.
You can best manage your health when you know what to expect, what resources you can use, and a community of people with whom you can share your experiences.
There are many things that you can do while waiting for donor lungs to become available. Preparing for a lung transplant includes maintaining your health, performing your routine cystic fibrosis care, and being ready to respond when donor lungs are available.
Transplant and recovery is physically and emotionally stressful. But, there are things you can do to help you cope with the stress and the changes in your life that a transplant can bring.