What evolution can be expected for CF diagnosed in adulthood?

Question

Hello,
I am a 28 year old woman and recently diagnosed with CF (sweat test: 114).
I have got nasal polyposis since childhood, I had pneumonia at 24 years and an asthma attack (with bronchitis) at 26 years.
Otherwise I'm pretty good. I do not particularly cough and I do not have specific digestive problems.
So I guess having a milder form of the disease.
However I would like to know if the disease is necessarily evolving and worsening or if I could stay in my current state all my life.
Thank you very much.

Answer

Hello,
Given the information you sent us, there is no doubt:
- as for the diagnosis of cystic fibrosis (nasal polyposis, bronchial episodes and the clearly positive sweat test)
- as for the mild nature of the symptoms

Even if mild, CF however remains (like the life) likely to change. This justifies regular monitoring by a multidisciplinary team of a CF Center, even though the frequency of visits may be adapted to your health status. The aim is to give you the best advice for a healthier life, the most appropriate treatments and to check by clinical examination and further investigations the stability or progression of your disease.
You can also ask for therapeutic education sessions that will help you better understand your disease and develop your adaptation skills in specific situations.
These regular contacts are essential to establish a fair relationship and enable early and appropriate intervention in case of intercurrent events. Particular attention should be paid to upper (ENT) or lower (bronchial) respiratory tract infections because early treatment should prevent complications or chronicity.
Sincerely,
Gilles Rault, MD
Roscoff CF Center, France

29.04.2014