It's Time for a Tune Up

When a person has Cystic Fibrosis, a "tune up" is part of routine care.  

It is very important to be aggressive with infections and lung inflammations with Cystic Fibrosis. Strong intravenous antibiotics are necessary to prevent additional issues from developing. Here is where the tune up comes in.

The following things can alert a person with Cystic Fibrosis (a CFer) and their doctor that it is time for a tune up:  

• increased cough
• significant weight loss
• new/unusual lung sounds
• increased difficult breathing
• change in sputum

Tune ups can take place at home or at a hospital.  Usually the patient is initially hospitalized to place a PICC line and start the intravenous medications. A PICC is a peripherally inserted central catheter. A PICC allows the patient to receive medications into their blood stream for extended periods of time.  Once everything is settled the patient can go home and continue their intravenous medications.  The patient will receive support  and assistance from a home health nurse.

A tune up can take several week and being hospitalized for that length of time may not be practical or convenient. Doing a large portion of a tune up at home will allow the patient to continue to work or attend school. However their daily life will need to be modified to  allow time to do intravenous medications and properly care for the catheter site. 

During a tune up the patient may also need to increase the frequency of physiotherapy (lung treatments such as wearing their vest or doing lung percussion).  They may also start or increase inhaled/aerosol medications. 

Other issues are also address during a tune up-- adequate nutrition and rest. It take a lot of energy to fight an infection. Dietary issues are addressed during a tune up such as is the person getting enough calories.  The doctors will assess if the patient should receive supplemental feedings or change their diets.

Unfortunately a tune up is not a "one time" event for a person with Cystic Fibrosis. A tune up is a seasonal or yearly part of life. A tune up is just one part of proper lung care for someone with Cystic Fibrosis.