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.
When our daughter was diagnosed with cystic fibrosis, all I could think about was walking into that first CF clinic appointment and walking out with “the vest.” Although transitioning to the vest was the change I feared the most, it's been a welcome change to our once-difficult routine.
I’ve learned over the years to speak up and ask questions when it comes to my cystic fibrosis care.
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.
I dreaded transitioning from my pediatric care center to my adult care center. I was stubborn and knew that I did not want to go. I thought I knew best, that is, until one phone call changed my entire perspective.