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Cystic fibrosis

Cystic fibrosis is a genetic condition that makes the body's normally fluid secretions too thick. Mucus builds up mainly in the lungs and hampers the digestive system, which calls for regular care to keep the airways clear and to take in food properly.

It is a particularity present from birth, something you live with and manage over the years. Treatments have made great progress and now make it possible to study, work and lead an active life, provided that time is set aside every day for care and that attention is paid to the risk of infection.

Before the day has even really begun, a person living with cystic fibrosis already has a schedule to keep: respiratory physiotherapy sessions, taking medication, sometimes nebulisers, to be repeated morning and evening. This work of maintaining the body cannot be seen from the outside, but it holds a fixed place in the timetable, every day, with no holidays.

The rest (studies, work, going out, friends) is added on top of this foundation of care. It is this gap that often surprises those around them: the person seems available and full of energy, while part of their day is already taken up by the invisible. To understand cystic fibrosis is to take into account this time that cannot be cut back, and the need to avoid the germs that could trigger an infection.

What the condition asks for every day

Cystic fibrosis never takes a pause. The daily challenge is to clear the mucus from the lungs and to help digestion, while limiting the infections that weaken breathing.

  • several periods of respiratory care spread across the day;
  • many medications, especially for digestion;
  • constant watchfulness around germs and people with colds;
  • tiredness that rises sharply during an infection.

What helps in practice

The key lies in organisation and prevention. At school, a PAI (an individual care plan for health needs, in France) or a PPS (an individualised schooling plan, in France) can set aside time for care, easier access to taking medication and suitable hygiene rules. At work, the RQTH (official recognition of disabled worker status, in France) through the MDPH (the French departmental disability office) makes it possible to adjust hours to fit in care and to favour environments where the risk of infection stays under control. Here too, the most useful thing is not having to re-explain everything for these needs to be taken seriously.

Key figures

Cystic fibrosis in a few figures

  • ~ 40,000people live with cystic fibrosis in the United States.Source: Cystic Fibrosis Foundation.
  • 11,000+people live with cystic fibrosis in the UK.Source: Cystic Fibrosis Trust.
  • ~ 1 in 31Americans carry the CF gene without having the condition.Source: Cystic Fibrosis Foundation.

Possible accommodations

The needs revolve around two priorities: keeping time for care and limiting the risk of infection.

  • At school: time planned for physiotherapy and medication, flexibility over absences linked to care or hospital stays, suitable hygiene, within the framework of a PAI (an individual care plan for health needs, in France) or a PPS (an individualised schooling plan, in France).
  • At work: adjusted hours to fit in care, remote work possible during sensitive periods, a workstation away from sources of infection, supported by an RQTH (official recognition of disabled worker status, in France).
  • In daily life: respecting a non-negotiable time for care, shared watchfulness around germs, understanding of the tiredness that comes with an infection.

Explanations based on your profile

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Cystic fibrosis explained to a Child

0–12 years old

Cystic fibrosis is when the body makes fluids that are too thick. Normally, inside us, there are fluids that help us breathe and digest. In a person with cystic fibrosis, these fluids are sticky like honey, instead of flowing like water.

This makes breathing harder and calls for a lot of care every day: special exercises to help the lungs, medicines, and rest.

Children and adults with this illness can play and go to school, but they have to take time for their care, a bit like someone who has to do their homework before having fun. With help from adults and the right care, you can live a great life!

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