What are some of the symptoms of CF?

[anonymous]

I have an 8yo daughter who was diagnosed with Asthma about 2 years ago. She doesn't really wheeze but she's always and I mean always coughing and I can always hear the mucous rattling in her chest when she coughs, laughs and sometimes even when she's talking. She had a swollen gland in her neck when I took her to the doctor when she was diagnosed with Asthma and he said that it would probably go down--well when we went back a year later it was still swollen and he said if it didn't go down we could do more testing on it. Well they haven't done anything about it and I checked the other day and sure enough it's still swollen.After reading some about CF I decided to lick her skin the other day--it was bitter and salty--she wasn't sweating at the time. She's also been getting sick and throwing up alot lately. I plan on taking her to our family doctor this week but I want them to test her for CF--or have them refer me to a doctor that specializes in lung disorders. She also had Pnemonia when she was only 2 weeks old. This is been going on for so long and took nearly 3 years to have them finally make a diagnosis of Asthma and even with that they didn't complete all of the testing--they didn't want to do the whole test because they said it was too risky for her. I talked with my mom the other day and told her of my concerns and then she mentions that I have a cousin with CF (I didn't know this). So now I'm even more worried. I guess all I'm asking for if these symptoms are something I should be really worried about? Does the swollen gland have anything to do with it? Thanks for responding! Janet

 

[anonymous]

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[anonymous]

Hi - I don't think the swollen gland would nec. relate directly to cf. I would def. request a sweat test and since there is a cousin with cf and your daughter has been diag. with asthma, the dr. should refer you for one. Why did they think it was to risky to complete all of the testing for asthma? Has she ever seen a pulmonologist? People with CF can also have disgestive issues regarding the absorption of fat and protein. Some symptoms could be a distended belly and/or frequent, bulky, loose, foul smelling stools that often float. Some people with cf also struggle to gain weight as a result of this. Whether your daughter might have cf or not, it sounds as if you are not satisfied with the dr's treatment plan. I would find a new dr. who will help you in you fight to find out what exactly is going on. The sweat test is a relatively easy and noninvasive test that could give you some direction in regards to the family history of CF. It is best if it can be done at a CF center. Find a Dr. that will listen and work with you. Best wishes.Jo Ann

 

[anonymous]

Thanks joann I appreciate your reply. I have made an appointment for tomorrow morning. When she did the Asthma testing they had her blow into a device to measure her capacity--she couldn't blow much without coughing--they said they didn't want to do the other test that was ordered because they would have had to constrict her airway and they didn't think she would do well with that and would have probably ended up in the ER afterwards--so they decided not to do it and based thier diagnosis on the first test. I'm not sure about her stools anymore since she is 8 and usually goes into the bathroom by herself and flushes the toilet before I'm able to see--I haven't told her anything that I suspect and she already thinks I'm weird for licking her arm the other day. I do know that she is easily fatigued and doesn't have a high energy level. She's a very slow mover. She eats alot and she eats often--she seems hungry all of the time--although I think her weight is just fine--it seems normal to me. Matter of fact she's wearing sizes 12 and 14. I like the doctors she's seeing now--it was the doctor she had before she was diagnosed with Asthma that didn't do anything. Of course neither doctors knew nothing of my cousin whom I just found out about myself--she doesn't live around here and my Aunt died when she was a child so we never really got to see the kids. I do know that she's in her 30's and she's still living with the CF and she has MD too (I knew about the MD). Hopefully we'll be able to find something out tomorrow--Thanks again!

 

[EmilysMom]

Janet,Be pushy when it comes to testing, if you already have a family history of Cf and your child is exhibiting symptoms. You want to do what is best for your daughter obviously and if she has cf, the sooner she gets treatment for CF, the better. Let us know how you make out after you see the doctor. Our best wishes go with you! <img src="i/expressions/face-icon-small-smile.gif" border="0">

 

[anonymous]

Hiya I just wanted to say a sweat test doesnt cost much and is one of the easiest test i ever came across for diagnosis, my neice has CF and i had my own children tested cause my son has asthma, thankgod ours came back negative... I hope you mention that CF is in your family and your doctor should request for a CF test ASAP as they did my own children,I hope everything goes well GL!!! Tonya