The sweat test may not work well in newborns because they do not produce enough sweat. In the IRT test, blood drawn 2 to 3 days after birth is analyzed for a specific protein called trypsinogen. Positive IRT tests must be confirmed by sweat and other tests. Also, a small percentage of people with CF have normal sweat chloride levels. They can only be diagnosed by chemical tests for the presence of the mutated gene.
Early diagnosis is important, because immediate treatment can lessen the damage to the lungs.
Treatment usually consists of antibiotics, diet therapy, including pancreatic enzyme replacement, exercise, and drainage of mucus. Research is ongoing, and recent strides have been made toward finding a cure. For more information about cystic fibrosis, contact your doctor. This information is not a tool for self-diagnosis or a substitute for professional care.