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New parents who have cystic fibrosis say it is important to be prepared and organized so you can manage the demands of parenthood and your own cystic fibrosis care. Babies take a lot of time and attention, but don’t ignore yourself by not it is also important to stick with your treatment plan. Your partner, family and friends, and community may be sources of support to help care for your child and keep your treatment on track. Some new parents even say that their children learn to help with
Although medical advances mean that more people with cystic fibrosis live into adulthood, not everyone gets the same benefits. For example, having a low income is linked with worse lung function, higher death rates, and poorer nutritional status for people with cystic fibrosis. This is true even when comparing groups that have the same number of healthcare visits and take long-term prescription medicines. Also, people of color are more likely to be diagnosed
If you are a carrier, you may have some mild cystic fibrosis symptoms. Talk with your healthcare provider about ways to lower your risk of complications. Your provider may recommend extra screening tests for colorectal cancer. Limiting the amount of alcohol you drink may lower your risk of pancreatitis.
It can be dangerous for people with cystic fibrosis who have had a lung or liver transplant to receive certain vaccines. Your healthcare provider can advise you about vaccines.
You’re the expert in managing this condition day to day. Talk with your providers to make sure treatment plans reflect your personal needs and goals that will help you live a longer and healthier life.
Because people with cystic fibrosis now live longer, it’s important for adolescents and teens with the condition to make a plan for shifting into adult care. As they grow more independent, it is imperative for them to know how to take charge of their own health care, manage their own appointments, and take their medicines and other treatments exactly as prescribed by their healthcare providers. Not following treatment recommendations can lead to