Home Care
As cystic fibrosis affects the digestive system, patients begin to lose weight despite sufficient caloric intake. Coughing and combating infections also consume calories, causing the patient to appear exhausted. Therefore, the patient should be provided with a healthy, high-calorie diet to maintain a healthy weight and provide the body with sufficient energy reserves to battle the infection more effectively. On the basis of the patient’s age, weight, and state of health, the dietician formulates a diet containing the optimal proportions of protein, carbohydrates, and lipids. A patient with cystic fibrosis must observe certain home care instructions.
Physical exercise
Multiple exercise programmes must be tailored to the age and health condition of the individual. There are fitness programmes that incorporate stretching, aerobic, and resistance training. Typically, sessions begin between 5 and 10 minutes in length and gradually increase to 20 to 30 minutes. These exercises strengthen the body and should be performed on a long-term basis to increase the intensity of training as the body becomes stronger. Consult the child’s pulmonologist to gain a better understanding of the child’s limitations and to determine which activities are best for them.
