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Warning-sign checks

Cystic fibrosis: when to get help

Go through these in order and stop at the first one that applies. If you are reading this for someone else, answer for them.

  1. 1

    Is any of this happening now?

    Call 911

    Seek urgent or emergency care for severe difficulty breathing, blue or gray lips, fainting, confusion, coughing up more than a small streak of blood, severe dehydration, sudden chest pain with breathlessness, persistent vomiting, or severe abdominal swelling with inability to pass stool or gas.

    Follow the emergency plan provided by the person’s CF team.

    Other emergency signs, for anyone
    • Someone who is struggling to breathe, gasping, choking, or cannot get words out
    • Someone who has chest pain, tightness or pressure lasting more than a few minutes
    • Someone who has sudden weakness or drooping on one side of the face or body, slurred speech, or sudden confusion
    • Someone who is unconscious, or cannot be woken
    • Someone who is bleeding heavily and it will not stop with firm pressure
    • Someone who has had a seizure that will not stop, or does not wake up afterwards
    • Someone who has lips or skin that look pale, blue, grey or blotchy
    • Someone who you believe has taken an overdose or swallowed something poisonous
  2. 2

    Is any of this happening?

    Be seen today

    Contact the CF team promptly for a clear increase in cough or mucus, fever, reduced appetite, weight loss, unusual fatigue, new shortness of breath, vomiting, worsening constipation, or reduced ability to complete usual activities.

    Early review may prevent a manageable problem from becoming more serious.

  3. 3

    Does any of this apply?

    Book an appointment

    Routine follow-up usually includes regular visits with the CF care team, even when the person feels well.

    Visits may involve weight and growth measurements, breathing tests, respiratory cultures, treatment review, and discussion of nutrition, exercise, sleep, mental health, school, work, or family planning.

The article also says

Periodic blood tests and other assessments may monitor vitamin levels, liver health, blood sugar, bone health, medication effects, and complications.

The exact schedule depends on age, symptoms, treatments, and clinical findings.

Every sign above is quoted from the sofidex article on Cystic fibrosis. If you are not sure, err upward — it is always reasonable to be checked.