Guest guest Posted February 18, 2003 Report Share Posted February 18, 2003 If the child is seen at a cystic fibrosis center with a clinic or at a cystic fibrosis clinic which is usually part of a pediatric clinic--say at a univer sity--then that is what is meant. However, if the the child or adult is tre ated at any large clinic for their cystic fibrosis, then it is usual to refer to the appointments as " clinic. " This usually involves pulmonary func tion tests, may involve X-ray or even a form of one of the computerized tomography scans, MRI or even a bone scan. It often includes sputum culture at the beginning if there is suspicion of bacterial or fungal grow th and much can be determined at that initial culturing--which actually can take several to many days to " grow out. " Rarely, a sample of fecal matter will be taken to determine fat content analysis, and there will be a " hands and stethoscope on " examination of the lungs, abdomen, visual examination of mouth and throat, perhaps even examination of the finger and toe nails to determine if there is what is called " clubbing, " which can be caused by either the lungs or the liver or all of them. Rare ly, an abdominal ultrasound is done of the liver and pancreas, spleen. This is in fact a multi-system disease--and the whole child or the whole person is examined; this can include pyschological or social assessme nt as well, especially if the child is very small for her or his age. And on and on and on. . . I hope that this helps, n Rojas, wcf, mom of 3 adult " kids, " youngest wcf--we always brought a written or typed or printed list of all allergies, medications ta ken or allergic to, patterns of treatment at home--tyring to make it all just a bit more brief! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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