What is Cystic Fibrosis? The "Grey Zone"

This is a very short video (with Pediatric Pulmonologist - Alfin G. Vicencio, MD) about the cystic fibrosis "grey zone" and how this complicates CF diagnosis. The "grey zone" relates to patients who do not present with the typical symptoms of cystic fibrosis but still have illness creating mutations on their cystic fibrosis transmembrane conductance regulator (i.e. the cystic fibrosis gene - also called the CFTR gene). This leads to atypical forms of cystic fibrosis and extends the boundaries of what "cystic fibrosis" is and how it affects people.



Cystic Fibrosis Resources

What is Bronchiectasis?

Bronchiectasis (pronounced bron-kee-ek'-tas-is) is a condition often associated with cystic fibrosis. Bronchiectasis is caused by recurrent (i.e. repeated) inflammation or infection of the airways in the lungs. This video explains what bronchiectasis is and shows the related changes in the affected area of the lung(s).



Cystic Fibrosis Resources

Tube Feeding and Cystic Fibrosis

Gaining weight is often a significant problem for people with cystic fibrosis. Tube feeding through a Gastrostomy tube (G-tube) or nasogastric (NG) tube are two ways to increase food intake without having to eat or drink more.

These videos from Children's Memorial Hospital provide excellent information about CF nutritional challenges, tube feeding and related topics. It also includes lots of discussion from CF adults, parents, teens and kids about their experiences.

You can also find out more about tubefeeding from the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation








Cystic Fibrosis Resources

Sweat Test for Cystic Fibrosis

The sweat test is one of the most common methods of testing for cystic fibrosis. In this video Gerald Fernald, M.D explains cystic fibrosis and the sweat test. It also shows sweat tests being done.

For further information on sweat tests try KidsHealth, WebMD, Lab Tests Online and the Great Ormond Street Hospital




Cystic Fibrosis Resources

Pulmonary (Lung) Function Test in Action

Medline Plus describes pulmonary function tests as "a group of tests that measure how well the lungs take in and release air and how well they move gases such as oxygen from the atmosphere into the body's circulation."

According to the National Heart, Lung and Blood Institute these tests include:

• Spirometry (spi-ROM-eh-tre) which measures how much air is breathed in and out (as well as how fast air is blown out). 
• Lung volume measurement, which in addition to spirometry, measures how much air remains in the lungs after a full breathe out. 
• Lung diffusion capacity which measures how well oxygen passes from the lungs to the bloodstream. 

                                         
So ever wondered what a pulmonary function test (also called a lung function test) for cystic fibrosis looks like...?



Cystic Fibrosis Resources

What is the Pancreas?

The pancreas is an organ (specifically a gland) that lies behind the stomach and secretes digestive juices, enzymes and insulin for use by the body. Most (but not all) people with cystic fibrosis have problems with their pancreas. This is usually in regards to problems with digestion although some people with CF can also develop Cystic Fibrosis Related Diabetes (CFRD).

Want more information about what the pancreas is or does...here's a short video to explain things.

For more information also try the article "Pancreas" from the Better Health Channel



Cystic Fibrosis Resources