NetWellness Cystic Fibrosis

Could I Have CF

John Heintz MD — Wed, 27 Jan 2010 16:01:00 EST

Question: My niece has CF, I am 40. I had double pneumonia dec. 2009, they tell me that it is all gone. I have stabbing pain in my lung area, both sides, shortness of breath, especially when I move around, I cough, sometimes i feel like I need to cough to catch my breath, sometimes I cough so hard I throw up. . . .

Answer: Ask an Expert: Patricia Joseph MS, MD, Cystic Fibrosis

What`s the chance of a CF child?

Richard Shell MD — Tue, 07 Jul 2009 12:07:00 EST

Question: my boyfriend has CF , we want a child of our own. i have four children from previous relationshps two which have medical conditions see specialists regularly , i want to understand what the risk factor is to have a CF child, we are looking forward to adding another to the clan but i have to go for a . . .

Answer: I think the best answer would be to accompany your boyfriend to his next CF clinic appointment and have him ask his center to see if a genetic counselor could be available to speak with both of you during that visit. This might also be available though your obstetrician's office. You might also want . . .

Ask an Expert: Richard Shell MD, Cystic Fibrosis

My Son, CFand 260 lbs, Dehydration

John Heintz MD — Wed, 20 May 2009 19:05:00 EST

Question: my son diagnosed cf at 3 months..now 28 yrs old and 260 lbs tells me that being overweight helps him recover quickly from bouts of dehydration. he is a chef and subjected to very high temperatures in the kitchen..has on occasion collapsed and cramped up to the point of immobility...want him to see a . . .

Answer: Weight and hydration are separate subjects. Hydration and adequate sodium intake are critical in CF, and, especially in a hot environment, those with CF MUST take sufficient amounts of both. This can be accomplished with water, rehydration drinks, and salty snacks.

Weight is also importa . . .

Ask an Expert: John Heintz MD, Cystic Fibrosis

Cough syncope with cystic fibrosis

Patricia Joseph MS, MD — Wed, 13 May 2009 16:05:00 EST

Question: Our daughter is 21 and has Cystic Fibrosis and Cough Syncopede. The episodes are weekly and she passes out and coughs up large amounts of blood. What can we do to help her? The Dr`s that we have talked to have made no suggestions as to what we can do besides putting her feet up and pushing her hands . . .

Answer: Cough syncope is a very difficult problem. Basically, with severe episodes of cough (a coughing fit), some patients black out. Although several things can contribute to cough syncope, the basic problem in CF is one of prolonged cough episodes. During these events, the pressure in the chest . . .

Ask an Expert: Patricia Joseph MS, MD, Cystic Fibrosis

Cystic Fibrosis

Richard Shell MD — Fri, 13 Mar 2009 23:03:00 EST

Question: Can anyone please tell me how physicians/clinicians defined cystic fibrosis before the molecular nature was known?

Answer: Before the time of molecular diagnostic capabilities, a CF patient was diagnosed using a sweat chloride test. This measures the amount of chloride in the sweat and gives a value that can be diagnostic along with clinical findings of CF. I belive there is a very good description of this testing . . .

Ask an Expert: Richard Shell MD, Cystic Fibrosis