Throughout their lives, people with Cystic Fibrosis endure lung infections that destroy lung tissue and ultimately may lead to their death. The average life expectancy of a CF patient is only thirty-one years. .
About one thousand new cases of Cystic Fibrosis are diagnosed each year. Usually, the diagnosis is before the child reaches age three. The earlier it is made, the earlier treatment can begin, and the better the chance of surviving the disease. Prenatal testing is available to risk parents, and after the baby is born, blood tests are performed to look for high levels of digestive enzymes, which indicate the disorder. But to be certain, a test called a "sweat test" is performed after the baby is twenty-four hours old. This test checks the amount of salt in the sweat. It is also used to diagnose CF in older children and adults. Although, Cystic Fibrosis is incurable, today, several treatments are available for those affected with CF. They include physical therapy, gene therapy, medications, and in dire need, organ transplants. The most widely used method is chest physical therapy (CPT). CPT is a combination of postural drainage and percussion/vibration to clear airways of the thick mucus that causes so many problems. During postural drainage, the body is placed in six positions, two upright, and four with the head below the lungs. Then the chest is drummed with cupped hands to loosen the secretions and move them out of the lungs. At the end of position, vibration is performed. One big breath is inhaled and then the person vibrates as they exhale in three breaths. It is recommended that all CF patients perform CPT at least once a day to maintain their health. Another therapy is called a flutter, a little mouthpiece with a ball inside. The patient blows into the mouthpiece, and the ball inside produces resistance. They must work harder to blow, and in the process, move the mucus out of their airways.
