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Respiratory Disorders (Expert Forum)
Is this Cystic Fibrosis, Asthma, or some other Pulmonary Disorder
Answered by
This forum is for questions and support regarding lung and respiratory issues such as: Allergies, Asthma, Bronchitis, Colds - Flu, Chronic Cough, COPD, Cystic Fibrosis, Emphysema, Fibrosis, Lung Abscess, Nasal Polyps, Pleurisy, Pneumonia, Sarcoidosis, Sinusitis, Tuberculosis
Is this Cystic Fibrosis, Asthma, or some other Pulmonary Disorder
by smart_squared, Oct 17, 2002 12:00AM
I have been researching information on CF and was wondering if it's possible to have the disease without the normally associated GI problems. My 19 mo old nephew has been sickly from almost the day he was born with recurring ear and bronchial infections, RSV, and pneumonia. Although he doesn't seem to cough up mucus, his chest is almost always congested and he breathes with a wheeze/rumble sound and vibration. His pediatrician has had him on almost constant antibiotics and nebulizing steroid treatments with only short term improvement. Although CF doesn't run in our family, I think it should be looked into. The pedi has poo-poo'd an inquiry saying Cole would have GI problems and diahrea (CFF says stools are usually "bulky") if he had CF. They are now trying to get my nephew well enough to put tubes in his ears and his pedi thinks this will cure all. The problem is that when they get him well enough via antibiotics and steroids, then they can't seem to schedule him in for 1-2 weeks. By then he has regressed back to his congestive pulmonary condition and they won't do the surgery. What's the relationship between his ears and his lungs? Your archives mention bronchiectasis. Is this common in kids without CF? Or, as the pedi has also suggested, could this be the beginnings of childhood "asthma" (doesn't run in our family but both parents have allergies)? I think my sister needs to press her pedi regarding the whole pulmonary and/or CF problem (and get a pedi who'll be a true advocate for Cole's health). Am I an overbearing aunt or does my sister need a kick in the butt?
Doctor's Answer
by National Jewish, Nov 21, 2002 12:00AM
, Nov 21, 2002 12:00AM
Cystic fibrosis (CF) is a genetic disease of the exocrine glands affecting the gastrointestinal and respiratory systems. It is possible to have CF without having gastrointestinal (GI) problems. A child may have CF even though it “doesn’t run in his family". The diagnosis of CF can be made by a "Sweat test" and also by genetic testing.
Bronchiectasis is a disorder of the airways. Inflammation and infections create areas along the airways where mucus collects. This can lead to recurring infections. Bronchiectasis is common with CF. It can also occur without CF.
Recurring infections are the most common problems with immune deficiencies. These commonly include sinus infections and chest infections like bronchitis and pneumonia. Blood tests will reveal if there are any cells lacking from a complete immune system. Blood tests will also show if the cells are present but lack adequate amounts for the system to function effectively.
Bronchiectasis is a disorder of the airways. Inflammation and infections create areas along the airways where mucus collects. This can lead to recurring infections. Bronchiectasis is common with CF. It can also occur without CF.
Recurring infections are the most common problems with immune deficiencies. These commonly include sinus infections and chest infections like bronchitis and pneumonia. Blood tests will reveal if there are any cells lacking from a complete immune system. Blood tests will also show if the cells are present but lack adequate amounts for the system to function effectively.
As for your question about bronchiectasis. I would be hesitant to think that this would be the issue. Generally, bronchiectasis may be something we would see in patients with a history of CF, or chronic lung disease, someone older than 19 months. There are also GI issues that you had mentioned. It doesn't sound as if your nephew is presenting with those specific to CF, although increased frequency is one of those manifestations. The recurrent pneumonias is a "red flag" but again, your poor little nephew may just be a sickly baby! A sweat test is the current standard in CF testing to define if one has CF, that I am aware of. The Nat'l Jewish Center nurse that hosts this forum will certainly have much more info on this as well as CF in general. I am sorry to hear of your nephews short but troubling history. I certainly wish him well. Good luck and keep us posted if you wish.
JCI, RRT RCP
Interesting question--let us know what you find out!
JCI, BS RRT
Call the LUNG LINE nurse, at 1-800-222-LUNG(5864) between 8am & 4:30pm, Colorado time, Mon-Fri, to get names of good docs in your area, who trained at Nat'l Jewish.
Such doctors may include pediatric pulmonlogists (lung docs), allergists (could refer you to pulmo's, etc.), pediatric gastro-enterologists (in case the baby has Pediatric GERD, alone, or in addition to other problems), etc.
Where are you, and what's your email? Perhaps people could recommend docs they know are good, in your area.
I hope the baby is seen and helped very soon.
ASK YOUR QUESTION ABOUT WHO IS A GOOD DOC (Pediatrician & Pediatric Gastro doc) in North Dallas.
Here's a "link" to their website:
reflux.org>http://www.reflux.org
Also, ask a LUNG LINE nurse if she can recommend a good doc in the North Dallas area to you. Call the LUNG LINE at 1-800-222-LUNG(5864), and then press "5" to speak with a lung line nurse. Call Friday, between 8am & 4:30pm Colorado time.
Ask the LUNG LINE nurse for advice, too!
Sincerely, Concerned lady
http://cantbreathesuspectvcd.com
Concerned lady
http://cantbreathesuspectvcd.com