CF worse in the winter?

Question

Dear expert team,

My son has a severe cough (including bringing up mucus) which starts in September and lasts until the end of April. From May until August, he does have a cough as well, but not as severe.

He also has chronic polypoid pansinusitis, which we are able to manage quite well with cortisone-containing nasal spray during the summer months but which unfortunately keeps returning.

We have been having these phases since he is two years old. I can practically set my watch by them.

My question now: are there cases in which this disease is worse in the winter?

Many thanks.

Answer

Hello,

Many CF patients show a seasonal accumulation of symptoms. Significantly, your son’s symptoms seem to coincide with the beginning of the heating period. It could be possible that there is an increased impact of spore formers in the times when rooms are being ventilated less. I would suggest a diagnostic evaluation for aspergillus and an allergic test. If the nasal symptoms persist, sinus therapy will be necessary, as well as nasal antibiotic inhalation therapy in case of germs. Also, in my opinion frequent antibiotics therapy seems indicated in case of chronic cough and considerably increased mucous production.

Kind regards
Dr. Helmut Ellemunter

23.11.2010