Gastrostomy tube (G-tube)

Gastroesophageal reflux (GER)
GER is the backward flow of the stomach contents back up into the esophagus. This results from improper functioning of the lower end of the esophagus causing symptoms of heartburn, chest or abdomen discomfort, chronic cough, wheezing, and shortness of breath. Patients with CF tend to have more gastroesophageal reflux than patients without CF, and GER is associated with decreased lung function. Untreated, GER can also cause pain or difficulty swallowing, damage to the esophagus and esophageal narrowing.

Hemophilus influenzae (H. influenzae)
A type of bacteria that can cause respiratory infections, such as ear or sinus infections, and pneumonia.

Hemoptysis
The coughing up of blood from some part of the respiratory tract. In CF patients, this is usually due to an infection in part of the lung that has already been damaged by CF. This can be a serious condition that needs immediate medical evaluation.

Hypertrophic osteoarthropathy
See Clubbing

Inflammation
A local response to cell injury that is marked by increased blood flow, redness, heat, pain, swelling, and often loss of function. Inflammation serves as the body’s mechanism to attempt to eliminate infection or injury, or to start the healing of damaged tissues.

Influenza
A highly contagious disease, the flu is caused by various strains of the influenza virus. Characterized by sudden onset, fever, severe aches, pains and respiratory symptoms. Each year in late fall/early winter an influenza vaccine, or flu shot, is available for individuals, such as CF patients, who are susceptible to the severe respiratory illness that can be caused by the flu.

Liver disease (CF-related)
Decreased liver function in patients with CF is due to the abnormal thickness of fluids (bile) produced by the liver. Many CF patients have abnormal blood tests of liver function. About 5 percent of individuals with CF have potentially fatal liver disease that requires liver transplantation, and about 25 percent of those over four years of age have serious issues related to liver function. Severe liver disease is the second most common cause of death in persons with CF.

Macrolide
A type of antibiotic, usually given orally, that is prescribed for specific bacterial infections that can cause respiratory problems, including ear and sinus infections, bronchitis and pneumonia. Some CF patients may take azithromycin, a type of macrolide antibiotic, on a regular basis to reduce the level of infection and inflammation in their lungs.

Malabsorption
Poor absorption of nutrients from the intestinal tract, which can lead to malnutrition, weight loss, and increased risk of infection. In CF patients, this is due to the effect of the disease on the pancreas, which is responsible for making many of the substances needed to effectively break down food and absorb different nutrients in the intestines.

Meconium ileus
Congenital intestinal obstruction by thickened meconium (the stool of a newborn infant) that is often associated with CF in newborn infants. The intestinal obstruction may require surgery to remove the blockage, which is due to the abnormally thick and sticky stool that is present in CF infants.

Mucus
A sticky, slippery secretion that is produced by mucous membranes (lining of the mouth, nose, throat and airway) which it moistens and protects. Mucus in CF patients is very thick and accumulates in the intestines and lungs, where it may lead to blockages.

Mutation
A change in the DNA sequence of a gene which leads to a change in function. Many mutations lead to disease. Mutations in the CFTR gene lead to cystic fibrosis.