In the United States, Cystic Fibrosis Awareness Month takes place in May every year. The event aims to raise awareness of cystic fibrosis (CF). A person can get involved through campaigning, fundraising, and more.
CF is a genetic condition that affects the lungs and digestive system. Raising awareness of CF can help people to become more aware of which symptoms to look out for, as well as supporting people with CF.
Read on to find out more about Cystic Fibrosis Awareness Month. This article discusses the purpose of the event and how to get involved.
Cystic Fibrosis Awareness Month takes place annually in May to show support for individuals with CF. It provides individuals with CF to network online and organize in-person events.
Another purpose of Cystic Fibrosis Awareness Month is to raise awareness about the condition. The Cystic Fibrosis Foundation encourages individuals with CF to share their experiences to educate others.
Cystic Fibrosis Awareness Month is also an opportunity for people without CF to learn more about the condition and to support loved ones who have CF.
There are numerous ways that an individual can get involved with Cystic Fibrosis Awareness Month.
Social media
For people who use social media, there are various ways that a person can get involved, show support, and raise awareness. These include:
- using the hashtag #CFAwarenessMonth when tweeting on Twitter, posting on Facebook, uploading to Instagram, or using any other social networking platforms
- sharing information about cystic fibrosis or telling others about their experience with cystic fibrosis
- updating Facebook cover photos with an image supporting Cystic Fibrosis Awareness Month
Attend events
Attending fundraisers or research events during Cystic Fibrosis Awareness Month can help with raising awareness and donations for cystic fibrosis.
The Cystic Fibrosis Foundation has a calendar of events that take place during May and throughout the year.
Fundraising
Organizing a fundraising event can help with raising awareness of cystic fibrosis as well as helping to encourage donations.
The Cystic Fibrosis Research Institute provides information about ways to fundraise and donate to cystic fibrosis research.
Volunteering
A person can get involved with volunteering during Cystic Fibrosis Awareness Month. This might include volunteering at fundraising events, offering support to young people with cystic fibrosis, and providing administrative support.
A person can contact their local cystic fibrosis charity for information about volunteering opportunities. The Cystic Fibrosis Foundation also has an online directory of local chapters searchable by state and zip code. They can provide information about local volunteering opportunities and upcoming events by location.
Cystic fibrosis is a genetic condition. When a person has cystic fibrosis, their body produces thick, sticky mucus that can build up in organs and causes blockages. The condition
Symptoms of cystic fibrosis
Symptoms of cystic fibrosis can vary depending on which organs are affected. However, they can include:
- persistent cough
- coughing up mucus or blood
- wheezing
- shortness of breath
- frequent sinus infections or lung infections
- nasal polyps
- greasy stools
- constipation
Treatments for cystic fibrosis
Treatments for cystic fibrosis can include:
- airway clearance techniques, which can include:
- chest physical therapy
- therapy vests
- breathing techniques and coughing
- bronchodilators to relax the airways
- mucus thinners to thin mucus and make it easier to cough up
- CFTR modulators to improve how the CFTR protein works
- anti-inflammatory medications to reduce inflammation
- antibiotics for lung infections
- lung transplant or liver transplant in advanced cases of cystic fibrosis
It is best if a person contacts their doctor if they have concerns about the symptoms of cystic fibrosis. They will be able to perform tests such as the sweat test to confirm the diagnosis and advise on suitable treatments.
Cystic Fibrosis Awareness Month takes place in May in the U.S. It aims to raise awareness of cystic fibrosis (CF) and support for people with the condition.
A person can get involved in Cystic Fibrosis Awareness Month online by using the hashtag #CFAwarenessMonth when posting about CF on social media. Other ways of getting involved include attending events, fundraising, and volunteering.