Cystic fibrosis is a genetic condition affecting predominantly the lungs and pancreas by blocking them with thick mucus. It can impact on lung function, food absorption potentially resulting in malnutrition and other complications. Mature aged people with cystic fibrosis can also develop osteoporosis, reduced liver function and diabetes due to deficient insulin production as a result of food absorption problems.
Symptoms and characteristics:
- frequent visits to the toilet
- persistent cough, particularly with physical effort
- recurrent chest infections
- poor appetite
- salt loss in hot weather which may produce weakness
- some difficulty in breathing or wheezing with physical effort
- tiredness, lethargy or an impaired exercise ability.
Workplace solutions and adjustments:
Relevant considerations and workplace accommodations for those with cystic fibrosis include:
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a suitable job match that minimises physically strenuous duties
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flexible work conditions to allow for regular treatment breaks, medical appointments or possibly work from home when symptoms don’t allow travel
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modify work tasks to minimise fatigue, examples include use of a stool or chair, use of lifting equipment
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rotation between physically demanding tasks to ensure energy conservation and
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education for colleagues on cystic fibrosis and symptoms.
(Cystic Fibrosis in Australia 2007; Cystic Fibrosis in Australia 2008; Better Health Channel 2007)
There are solutions and adjustments for the following job requirements:
References:
Better Health Channel 2007, Cystic fibrosis, State Government of Victoria, Melbourne, viewed 18 December 2008,
<http://www.betterhealth.vic.gov.au/bhcv2/bhcarticles.nsf/pages/Cystic_fibrosis?open>.
Cystic Fibrosis in Australia 2008, About CF: Symptoms, Cystic Fibrosis in Australia, North Ryde, viewed 18 December 2008, <http://www.cysticfibrosis.org.au/aboutcf/symptom/>.
Cystic Fibrosis in Australia 2007, Causes, Cystic Fibrosis in Australia, North Ryde, viewed 18 December 2008,<http://www.cysticfibrosisnsw.org.au/aboutcf/causes/>.