CF SIDS & RSV

Cystic Fibrosis (CF)

A genetic disease that causes thick mucus buildup in the lungs and digestive system.

Inheritance of CF

Both parents must be carriers; each child has a 25% chance of having CF.

Hallmark symptom of CF

High levels of chloride in sweat (salty sweat).

Respiratory symptoms of CF

Chronic cough, sinus infections, lung infections, breathing difficulties.

Digestive problems caused by CF

Poor digestion due to blocked pancreatic ducts, leading to malnutrition.

Main treatments for CF

Airway clearance techniques, inhalers, mucus thinners, antibiotics, high-calorie diet, lung transplant in severe cases.

Purpose of CFTR modulators

They target the root cause of CF in patients with specific gene mutations.

Importance of lung function monitoring in CF

Mucus buildup can lead to permanent lung damage if untreated.

Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS)

The unexplained sudden death of an apparently healthy infant under 1 year old.

Main risk factors for SIDS

Brainstem abnormality, stressors like unsafe sleep, and age under 6 months.

Safe sleeping position to reduce SIDS risk

Sleeping on the back is safest.

'ABC' in SIDS prevention

Alone, Back, Crib.

Unsafe sleep practices linked to SIDS

Bed-sharing, soft bedding, overheating, covering baby's face.

Lifestyle factor during pregnancy that increases SIDS risk

Smoking, alcohol, or drug use.

Campaign promoting safe sleep for infants

The Safe to Sleep campaign (formerly 'Back to Sleep').

RSV

A common and highly contagious respiratory virus affecting infants and young children.

Lung condition caused by RSV in infants

Bronchiolitis (inflammation of the small airways).

Early symptoms of RSV

Runny nose, mild cough, fever, sneezing.

Severe symptoms of RSV

Wheezing, difficulty breathing, blue lips, nasal flaring, apnea.

How RSV is diagnosed

Nasal swab test for RSV antigen.

Main treatment for RSV

Supportive care: fluids, oxygen, fever reducers. No cure.

Medication to prevent RSV in high-risk infants

Palivizumab (Synagis), an antibody injection.

How to prevent RSV

Good hand hygiene, avoiding sick contacts, disinfecting surfaces.