Ok now we know there is something wrong and a doctor actually listens. What are the ways they diagnose CF?
1st a sweat chloride test should be done to show the amount of chloride in the childs sweat. A high sweat test is a positive for CF. If the test is borderline they will repeat the test. If the Chloride is low in the results it is considered a negative test.
2nd test usually is a blood test to look for infection and kidney function. Some doctors will take this time to do a genetic test looking for any of the genes that cause Cf. Unfortunetly there are many genes that are still unknown to Cf.
3rd tets is x-rays to look for signs of inflammation, the size of the lungs, for fluid buildup and plugged airways.
4th test which is a very scary thing is a bronchoscopy. They take a thin tube (scope) with a light on the end an insert it in the mouth, down the throat, into the lungs. They are looking for damage, along with testing the tissue and fluid that they collect.
