Cystic Fibrosis is sometimes misdiagnosed as Paediatric Asthma

It has been reported that some patients have been misdiagnosed with Paediatric Asthma, when in fact the correct diagnosis in their specific case was Cystic Fibrosis.

Cystic fibrosis is an inherited chronic disorder that leads to a shortened lifespan. There is no cure for the condition but treatments to help improve the symptoms, quality of life as well as increasing the lifespan of the patient. All newly born children are screened for cystic fibrosis. The screening is via a blood test that checks for elevated levels of a chemical released by the pancreas. Positive screening tests are usually followed by a sweat test when the infant is 2 years of age.

Always consult your doctor or health professional, and do not self diagnose.

Symptoms can include:

Wheezing, coughing with thick mucus, very salty sweat, lung infections or pneumonia, bulky and greasy bowel movements, constipation or diarrhea, trouble gaining weight, poor height growth

Symptoms are a guideline only and may apply to either the diagnosis or the reported misdiagnosis, or both. Consult your specialist for further information.

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