Read On How Ethan Was Diagnosed With Cystic Fibrosis By An Online Doctor!
I am Ethan, and I have just turned 18. Due to recurring lung infections, my childhood was filled with frequent trips to the hospital Unfortunately, my primary care doctor was never able to diagnose me, but an online doctor diagnosed me with cystic fibrosis.
I started getting a persistent cough and wheezing!
My mom took me to my doctor, who prescribed me a puffer, attributing my symptoms to asthma. It temporarily relieved my symptoms, but they did not go away. My parents were hardly home to take me to a specialist. I insisted on getting me, but my mom said I just needed to improve my diet and lifestyle. She said that I was weak/underweight, which caused me to fall sick easily.
The doctors prescribed me antibiotics and sent me home!
I had to take countless days off from school as I often fell ill, and every time I went to see my doctor, I had a chest infection. The doctors prescribed antibiotics and sent me home. Once or twice, I was hospitalised for a chest infection. They put me on Intravenous medications, but thankfully I recovered. My siblings called me the weakling. It was very depressing.
I signed up on your Doctors Online platform as no one would listen to me!
I grew sick and tired of everyone telling me that there was nothing wrong with me. Therefore, I started looking for an online doctor. On discovering a website, Your Doctors Online, I immediately signed up. Within a few minutes, I was chatting with an online doctor, Dr Farrukh.
I voiced my concerns to an online doctor and immediately felt relieved.
I narrated my entire medical history, and the doctor listened to me patiently.
Dr Farrukh asked me the following questions:
- Did I have recurring chest infections since childhood?
- Am I underweight?
- Do I have a cough and wheezing?
- Do I have diarrhoea?
The doctor informed me that she suspected cystic fibrosis. She advised me to get some tests done and she set up a follow up for me!
I answered all of her questions. She told me that I had symptoms of cystic fibrosis, advising me to get tested for it. The doctor stated that cystic fibrosis is a chronic disorder that is inherited. Cystic fibrosis can cause mucus in the body to become thick. The thick and sticky mucus builds up and causes blocked organs such as the lungs, resulting in infections. Cystic fibrosis can sometimes remain undiagnosed in case of mild symptoms.
I found out that I had cystic fibrosis after all these years!
I got the sweat test done that revealed that I had cystic fibrosis.
It was not easy, getting a diagnosis but knowing the cause behind my symptoms was relieving.
The online doctor reassured me and guided me in detail about the treatment!
I am glad that I consulted with a doctor online and got a second opinion. The doctor guided me in detail about cystic fibrosis and its treatment. The main treatment options include:
- Airway clearance techniques to clear the airways
- Dietary/Nutritional Management
- Supplements
- Exercise
- Antibiotics to treat infections
FAQs On Cystic Fibrosis Answered By Our Your Doctors Online Team
Cystic fibrosis is an inherited disease. It causes a build-up of thick mucus in the organs such as the lungs and the pancreas.
Cystic fibrosis is a common genetic disease in the United States. The disease occurs in 1 in 2,500 to 3,500 white newborns.
Some symptoms of cystic fibrosis include:
Wheezing
A persistent cough
Lung infections
Pancreatitis
Malnutrition
Sinusitis
Common tests that are done to diagnose cystic fibrosis include:
Sweat test: The test measures the amount of chloride in the body’s sweat. People with cystic fibrosis have a higher chloride concentration.
Chest X-ray
Blood test
Sputum (mucus) test
Lung function test
Antibiotics to treat lung infections or prevent them.
Inhaled bronchodilators to aid breathing
Anti-inflammatory drugs, including steroids and non-steroidal anti-inflammatories.
Pancreatic enzymes aid in digestion.
Stool softeners
In case of complications, surgery such as lung transplant, surgery of nose/sinuses or bowel surgery may be required.
