How is cystic fibrosis diagnosed?

usually a person born with cystic fibrosis shows symptoms in the first year of life. In some cases, however, symptoms will not become obvious until adolescence. There were even some cases where cystic fibrosis was not diagnosed until adulthood. However, if symptoms are present, there are standard tests used to diagnose the disease.

The sweat test is the most commonly used test for diagnosis of cystic fibrosis. This test is used to search for abnormally high levels of sodium or salt, present in the individual's sweat. The sweat test is carried out by causing sweating the skin area by placing a chemical solution called pilocarpine and stimulating it with a slight electrical current. The sweat is then collected by a gauze pad and analyzed. The sweat test is not painful, but can cause mild discomfort.

The sweat test can be less effective for newborns because they tend to produce less sweat. Instead of an immunoreactive test of trypsinogen (IRT), which includes blood analysis, withe performs. Some individuals with cystic fibrosis may have normal salt levels in sweat. In such cases, other tests can be used to diagnose cystic fibrosis.

Blood tests are used to detect the mutation gene for regulating transmembrane conductivity of cystic fibrosis (CFTR). For this purpose, the face scratch tests are also used, which include painless cell removal. Chest X -rays are also used to diagnose cystic fibrosis.

Tests

lung functions are sometimes used to determine whether a person has a cystic fibrosis. These tests measure the function and capacity of the lungs. Lung function tests usually require the patient to breathe into a specially designed machine.

SPUTUM culture tests can be included as part of the diagnostic process. During the sputum test, the subject must be cough and spit his sputum into the cup. Thesputum is transported to the laboratory and evaluated tothe presence of infection.

Stool evaluation and pancreatic function tests are sometimes included in the diagnosis of cystic fibrosis. Fortunately, cystic fibrosis can be treated. However, there is no known medicine yet.