Cystic fibrosis (CF) is a progressive disease that needs daily care. Though a patient needs to take medications lifelong, most people with cystic fibrosis are usually able to attend school and work. The improvement in screening and treatments mean that people with CF now may live into their mid- to late 30s or 40s, and some are living into their 50s. Read more: Cystic Fibrosis Life Span Article
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Common Medical Abbreviations & Terms
Doctors, pharmacists, and other health-care professionals use abbreviations, acronyms, and other terminology for instructions and information in regard to a patient's health condition, prescription drugs they are to take, or medical procedures that have been ordered. There is no approved this list of common medical abbreviations, acronyms, and terminology used by doctors and other health- care professionals. You can use this list of medical abbreviations and acronyms written by our doctors the next time you can't understand what is on your prescription package, blood test results, or medical procedure orders. Examples include: ANED: Alive no evidence of disease. The patient arrived in the ER alive with no evidence of disease. ARF: Acute renal (kidney) failure cap: Capsule. CPAP: Continuous positive airway pressure. A treatment for sleep apnea. DJD: Degenerative joint disease. Another term for osteoarthritis. DM: Diabetes mellitus. Type 1 and type 2 diabetes HA: Headache IBD: Inflammatory bowel disease. A name for two disorders of the gastrointestinal (BI) tract, Crohn's disease and ulcerative colitis JT: Joint N/V: Nausea or vomiting. p.o.: By mouth. From the Latin terminology per os. q.i.d.: Four times daily. As in taking a medicine four times daily. RA: Rheumatoid arthritis SOB: Shortness of breath. T: Temperature. Temperature is recorded as part of the physical examination. It is one of the "vital signs."
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Can You Get Cystic Fibrosis at Any Age?
Cystic fibrosis is classically a disease of childhood that progresses into adulthood. If you have a genetic defect related to cystic fibrosis (CF), you are more likely to be born with cystic fibrosis. The symptoms might appear later, and hence, the age at diagnosis varies widely.
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What Is Bronchiectasis?
Bronchiectasis has three types: cylindrical bronchiectasis, saccular or varicose bronchiectasis, and cystic bronchiectasis. Causes of bronchiectasis include infection, environmental exposure, drug or alcohol abuse, and alpha-1 antitrypsin (congenital). Symptoms of bronchiectasis include shortness of breath, fatigue, chronic cough, bloody sputum, and wheezing. Treatment for bronchiectasis includes antibiotics and possibly surgery.
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What Is Idiopathic Pulmonary Fibrosis (IPF)?
Idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis or IPF is a progressive lung disease. There is no known cause of IPF. Symptoms include shortness of breath, cough, fatigue, mild fevers, muscle pain, clubbing fingers, and ankle swelling. Treatment of idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis is directed at managing symptoms. The life expectancy is about 2 to 5 years.
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How Long Can You Live With Cystic Fibrosis?
The life expectancy of patients with cystic fibrosis has improved over the last 50 years. The improved chances of survival are due to advances in early diagnosis, supportive care, nutritional care, and infection control.
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Can You Live a Long Life With Cystic Fibrosis?
How long can you live with cystic fibrosis? Learn the signs of cystic fibrosis and what to do if someone you know has cystic fibrosis.
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How Is Meconium Ileus Treated?
Meconium ileus, a serious condition in newborn babies in which the intestines are blocked by the infant’s first stool, often needs surgical intervention and usually indicates the child will struggle with the congenital disease cystic fibrosis throughout their lives.
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What Is the Life Expectancy of Someone Born With Cystic Fibrosis?
Cystic fibrosis (CF) is a genetic disease that causes progressive damage to the organs, especially the lungs and digestive system. People with cystic fibrosis often complete school, including college, have fulfilling jobs, find love, and have children.
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