Dr. Rishi Chadha, MD is a board‑certified gastroenterologist who specializes in preventive gastroenterology, colorectal cancer screening, and minimally invasive endoscopic procedures. He completed his fellowship at Sunrise Health GME in Las Vegas and previously trained in internal medicine at St. Vincent’s Medical Center in Connecticut.
Cystic fibrosis is a genetic disease of inherited nature, which is brought about by mutations in CFTR gene. It contributes to the secretion of excessively thick and sticky mucus of the lungs and the gastrointestinal tract, which may result in difficulties with breathing, frequent infections, and intestinal absorption disorder.
He examines you, your breathing condition and developmental patterns, family history of CF, and gives you a complete lung and abdominal examination.
This is a gold standard test which will help in perspiration of chloride. High levels establish CFTR impairment.
A blood or saliva sample is analyzed for CFTR gene mutations. Identifying specific gene variants guides treatment choices.
The bronchiectasis, mucus plugging or pulmonary injury is seen on chest X-rays or high-resolution CT scans.
Equivocal cases could be quantified by potential difference test on nasal epithelium.
Dr. Rishi Chadha, MD is a board‑certified gastroenterologist who specializes in preventive gastroenterology, colorectal cancer screening, and minimally invasive endoscopic procedures. He completed his fellowship at Sunrise Health GME in Las Vegas and previously trained in internal medicine at St. Vincent’s Medical Center in Connecticut.
Cystic fibrosis is a hereditary disease that causes thick and sticky mucus to accumulate in the lungs and digestive system, leading to breathing difficulties and poor nutrient absorption.
CF occurs when both parents carry mutations in the CFTR gene. The probability of a child being born with CF is 25% per pregnancy if both parents are carriers.
Common signs include chronic cough with sputum, frequent lung infections, wheezing, slow weight gain, greasy stools, and difficulty digesting food.
Dr. Chadha diagnoses CF using sweat chloride tests, genetic screening for CFTR mutations, lung function tests, and imaging such as chest X-ray or CT scan.
Treatment involves pancreatic enzyme supplements, chest physiotherapy, CFTR modulator drugs, mucus thinners, inhaled antibiotics, and vitamin supplementation.
Healthy lifestyle practices include a high-calorie, protein-rich diet, proper hydration, regular chest clearance exercises, and taking pancreatic enzymes prior to meals.
Advanced procedures may include bronchoscopy to open airways, sinus surgery for chronic sinusitis, and PEG tube placement for supplemental feeding.
Routine follow-up is recommended every 3-6 months, or sooner during symptom flare-ups, to monitor lung function, nutrition, and overall health. Care is provided by a multidisciplinary team including pulmonologists, dietitians, and respiratory therapists.
With modern treatments and comprehensive care, individuals with CF can expect to live into their 40s and beyond, with ongoing improvements in care and therapy.
