Nontuberculous mycobacteria are a group of bacteria that live in soil, swamps, and water sources.
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Facing the challenges of cystic fibrosis is something no one should have to do alone. Fortunately, I have been able to rely on my support system to give me strength when I wasn't sure if I'd be able to continue the fight.
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.
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.
Not many people can say they had a second chance at life. But, thanks to organ donation, I can. And I'm not just alive -- I'm living. My feet hit the floor every morning because there is no better motivation than clear purpose, which for me is motherhood.
Not having a roadmap for life wasn't a problem when I thought I wouldn't be around long enough to take the trip. A double lung-transplant has me rethinking this belief.
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.
After my lung transplant, I discovered I couldn't keep eating the typical high-calorie CF diet. By learning to practice mindful eating, I have found a new way to enjoy my food.
The video of the second plenary at this year's North American Cystic Fibrosis Conference was focused on lung transplantation and is now available to watch online. Having had a lung transplant and as one of the people with CF featured in the video, this particular session had a personal meaning for me.
There are many things you can do to help reduce the risk of getting or spreading germs while traveling.