I have been around this forum since its inception. I'm not sure where this fits with CF but with so many genes involved and so much at steak, detailed health profiles matter. With the immune system constantly under attack in CF, I wonder if triggers related to atopy have a role to play in early, if not later, health management strategies. For those unfamiliar with atopy, I thought this might be enlightening. From a study in Germany (a country participating at this site), atopy and asthma are mentioned in the on-line August 25th edition of MedPage Today, <a target=_blank class=ftalternatingbarlinklarge href="http://www.medpagetoday.com/AllergyImmunology/Asthma/dh/3995">click here for access to link</a>I was struck by my ignorance of the term atopy; both from the standpoint of my education and long career, and from having successfully undergone treatment for allergies in my 40's when my wife suggested it. I never heard of atopy (or atopic dermatitis something else I was successfully treated for). There may be no confusing a positive work-up for CF genes, but ruling out atopy (I'm sure there are plenty of histories to confirm this) presenting with "vaguely" similar CF symptoms seems logical but the beholder (usually a physician) may not have that good a vision. A word to the wise where the shoe fits: not every physician works in or around a CF clinic. Those with the proverbial hammer may only see nails.