A blood test is available to help detect CF. The test looks for variations in a gene known to cause the disease. Other tests use to diagnose CF include:

• Immunoreactive trypsinogen (IRT) test is a standard newborn screening test for CF. A high level of IRT suggests possible CF and requires further testing.
• Sweat chloride test is the standard diagnostic test for CF. A high salt level in the patient's sweat is a sign of the disease.

Other tests that identify problems that can be related to cystic fibrosis include:

• Chest x-ray or CT scan
• Fecal fat test
• Lung function tests
• Measurement of pancreatic function
• Trypsin and chymotrypsin in stool
• Secretin stimulation test
• Upper GI and small bowel series

An early diagnosis of CF and a comprehensive treatment plan can improve both survival and quality of life. Specialty clinics for cystic fibrosis may be helpful and can be found in many communities.

Treatment for lung problems includes:

• Antibiotics to prevent and treat lung and sinus infections
• Inhaled medicines to help open the airways
• DNAse enzyme replacement therapy to thin mucus and make it easier to cough up
• Lung transplant, in some cases

Treatment for intestinal and nutritional problems may include:

• A special diet to help with nutrition (see: Cystic fibrosis nutrional considerations)
• Pancreatic enzymes to replace those that are missing
• Vitamin supplements, especially vitamins A, D, E, and K

For additional information and resources, see: Cystic fibrosis support group

• Coughing up blood
• Chronic respiratory failure
• Cor pulmonale
• Diabetes
• Liver disease
• Malnutrition
• Osteoporosis and arthritis
• Pneumonia, recurrent
• Pneumothorax

Call your health care provider if an infant or child has symptoms of cystic fibrosis.

Call your health care provider if a person with cystic fibrosis develops new symptoms, particularly severe breathing difficulty or coughing up blood.