Hi ,
Useally peribronchial thickning is one of the many things that doctors will use in making a diagnosis, along with sweat test, pathogens, recurrent pneumonia, and so on and so on. It is part of the process of CF. If you had a picture of the lungs , you can see how it looks like a tree branch that splits , well that tree branch looking thing is your bronchi. With CF and maybe other diseases, it will get thicker. There are many articles you can look up re this.
I don't know anything about it being irreversible. It has always been there since Makailyn has been diagnoised. It may show minimum changes, and now it's alot more on her xrays, such as streaking, perihiliar thickning,hyperinflation, air trapping and on and on.
About your little one going into the hospital , it looks like you have been given alot of good advise. The CF Centers make it as good as they can for you, there's a Child Life Specialist that is always keeping them involved in something. Makailyn always ends up with so many toys , there's no room in the room. Speaking of that , the rooms are extra large ! Hope it's that way for where you might be. One time she was in there for almost a month and turned 5 at the hospital.
The only thing I would tell you is bring your wipes to wipe down bed rales, sink , and other areas, that regular hospital staff doesn't do. They always have some kind of activity or visiters like football players etc. that show up in your room. Believe me it's hard , but you sometimes you have to make the best out of it the best you can....... Makailyn's last admit (on xmax morning) was really hard because she was in so much pain with Pancreatitis, and was on Morphine around the clock, so she missed out on alot of the stuff. By the way she goes back in for surgery on her pancreas Feb 15th,(all prayers needed).
Also, I would like to tell you, please DO NOT CLEAN WITH VINEGAR !!!! That was changed many years ago...........Nothing personal to Ymikhup or anyone else, guidelines on cleaning nebs, and equipment with vinegar changed years ago, which I'm sure most probly know that already.
And your CF Center can and will be more than happy to help you think what is best to clean your house with. We were told verbally not to use vinegar.
I'm, sorry your little one is going in. I will be praying for you and her. It's probly going to be harder on you than it will be for her at this age.... My heart is with you,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,Karla <img src="i/expressions/brokenheart.gif" border="0">