Without treatment, the body cannot digest food properly. People with CF often need to take pancreatic enzyme supplements with meals and maintain a high-calorie diet to help the body absorb the proper nutrients. When eating meals and snacks, your student may take many capsules or tablets, including pancreatic enzymes, vitamins and antibiotics. It is not unusual for a person with CF to ingest more than 25 pills a day. Please note that these medications are not habit-forming and will not alter your student's mental or emotional behavior.
Some children prefer to take their medication privately just before eating.
Discuss with your student and his or her parents the most comfortable routine. You may want to suggest keeping the pills in your desk, or in the nurse's office. Children with CF should always be encouraged to exercise and play as much as possible. Exercise helps loosen the mucus that clogs the lungs. Because of breathing difficulties, however, some children with CF may not have stamina and may become overly exhausted.