We provide care in three easily-accessible locations across the Rio Grande Valley.
1604 East 8th St., Suite A
Weslaco, TX
Phone: (956) 447-5557
5300 North McColl Rd., Suite 100
McAllen, TX
Phone: (956) 630-1000
1022 E. Griffin Pkwy.
Mission, TX 78572
Phone: (956) 833-6000
Cystic fibrosis, or CF, is an inherited disease of the secretory glands that leads to thick and sticky mucus. When this mucus builds up in the lungs, it can block airways and make it difficult to breathe.
The mucus can also block tubes in the pancreas. As a result, the digestive enzymes that your pancreas makes can’t reach your small intestine. The result is vitamin deficiency and malnutrition because nutrients pass through your body without being used. You also may have bulky stools, intestinal gas, a swollen belly from severe constipation, and pain or discomfort.
The symptoms and severity of CF vary. Sometimes you may have few symptoms. Other times, your symptoms may become more severe. As the disease gets worse, you’ll have more severe symptoms more often.
Lung function often starts to decline in early childhood in people who have CF. Damage to the lungs can lead to severe breathing problems, and respiratory failure is the most common cause of death in people who have CF.
Most newborns are screened for cystic fibrosis as part of their traditional newborn evaluations. However, children and adults who were not screened as newborns may be given genetic or sweat tests to determine if they have CF. These tests are usually administered if the patient has ongoing symptoms of cystic fibrosis
There is no cure for cystic fibrosis. However, early treatment for CF can improve your quality of life and increase your lifespan. Treatment is often complex and should be undertaken by a team of experienced and knowledgeable medical professionals. The goal of this treatment is to prevent infections, loosen mucus in the lungs, avoid malnutrition, and extend your lifespan.
Treatments can take a variety of forms, from medication to nutritional and respiratory therapies, and exercise. The specialists at the Pulmonary and Sleep Center of the Valley can help you by providing effective treatment options for your CF.
