This exposure to recurring procedural pain can increase levels of both pain and anxiety, leading to ongoing distress and chronic pain conditions. Under-treated pain for medical procedures such as needle punctures and throat swabs in adolescence can result in avoidance of medical care in adulthood thus increasing the risk for potential long-term consequences.

Procedural and chronic pain have emerged as important clinical features in individuals with cystic fibrosis. Pain is reported to affect up to 75 per cent of children and 89 per cent of adults with cystic fibrosis. The measurement and management of pain, both procedural and chronic, is complex and requires ongoing monitoring and assessment. It is important to discuss any anxiety around procedural pain and chronic pain issues with the care team on a regular basis. 

Please visit the links below for additional resources for pain management.