Cystic fibrosis (CF) is an inherited condition that causes unusually thick and sticky mucus. Cystic fibrosis affects the cells that make digestive juices, sweat, saliva and mucus. Theses fluids usually are thin and act as a natural lubricant, but in CF patients, these fluids are thick and often clog tubes and ducts in the body, especially in the lungs and pancreas.
Life Expectancy:
In the early 1950s, children with CF often did not live to the age of five. Today, medications and early intervention have extended the life expectancy of individuals with CF. Many individuals with CF can expect to live into their 30s and 40s with appropriate CF treatments.
Exercise:
It was once believed that children with cystic fibrosis should not exercise. In the 1950s, exercise was seen as unsafe for children. It was seen as dangerous to allow people with CF to run, jog or play. Today, we know that exercise is safe and recommended for children and adults living with CF.
Exercise has many benefits for people with CF. Regular exercise increases strength, endurance and helps keep our heart strong and healthy. It is no different for people living with CF; the better their endurance, the easier their bodies will react to normal activity.
We know that exercise increases strength and endurance, but for CF patients, exercise also helps to loosen the thick mucus in the lungs. The vibration and movement of exercise helps the thickened secretions to loosen in the airways, making it easier to breathe and perform normal activities.
Doctors encourage people with CF to participate in a variety of exercises including running, dancing, jumping, biking and anything else that gets the body moving. They encourage strength and endurance training to help keep the heart and other muscles strong and healthy.
Organized Sports:
Although organized sports are not necessary, many children with CF enjoy the normalcy of being involved in organized sports. With the majority of CF treatment plans focusing on medications, transplant issues and hospital visits, sports are a nice way to enhance a child’s overall health. Playing on a team with other peers can improve confidence and boost self-esteem. Whether it is gymnastics, tennis or softball, sports can have positive benefits for children living with CF.
Physical Therapy:
The type of exercise recommended for CF patients will vary from person to person. Individuals with severe CF may require some limitations with exercise. Your physician will advise you of your or your child’s exercise precautions. If your physician is concerned about your ability to perform a regular exercise program, he or she may refer you to a physical therapist for an evaluation. A physical therapist can help to develop an exercise program that meets you or your child’s specific needs. In addition to developing an appropriate exercise program, they can assist in teaching appropriate breathing techniques.
Bottom Line:
The bottom line is that exercise is healthy for adults and children living with cystic fibrosis. Whether it is an organized sport or dancing in front of the television, exercising is recommended for people living with CF. Exercise helps to loosen thick mucus and helps to stimulate coughing in CF patients. Exercise in combination with CF medical treatments can help to enhance the quality of life and may expand the life-span of people with cystic fibrosis.
