Cystic fibrosis afflicts approximately 30,000 Americans. The average age of survival has been steadily increasing, but not quickly enough: a child born with cystic fibrosis today can only expect to live 35 to 40 years. In this valuable new addition to the Your Personal Health series, Dr. Wayne Kepron offers a comprehensive look at the disease that afflicts so many young people. Topics include: Symptoms of cystic fibrosis,Making a diagnosis,Complications of the disease,Treatments (including lung transplants),Techniques and precautions in lung care,Transition into adulthood,Prospects for gene therapy,and end-of-life issues. Using diagrams, charts and case studies, Cystic Fibrosis is designed for patients, their families, and caregivers. It is both a quick reference guide and a tool for in-depth study. |