
Cystic Fibrosis Center
Focused care
Children with cystic fibrosis are urged to visit an accredited care center four times a year for visits which include evaluations with a physician, respiratory therapist, nutritionist and social worker. Driscoll Children’s Hospital’s earned accreditation makes it easier for patients to make those visits.
The Driscoll Children’s Hospital Cystic Fibrosis Center houses an experienced team of physicians, respiratory therapists, physical therapists, nurses, pharmacists, nutritionists and social workers ready to give patients the highest quality care available.
What is cystic fibrosis (CF)?
Cystic fibrosis (CF) is a chronic, genetic disease that affects about 30,000 people in the United States, and 70,000 people worldwide. The defective gene found in CF patients causes the body to make thick mucus that can clog the lungs and lead to infection. It may also block the pancreas and keep natural enzymes from helping the body digest and absorb food.
What may my child experience if he or she has CF?
- Wheezing or shortness of breath
- Frequent cough and increased lung mucus
- Multiple episodes of bronchitis and pneumonia
- Nasal polyps and frequent sinus infections
- Slow weight gain or weight loss, even with a healthy appetite
- Abnormal or frequent bowel movements
- Liver and gallbladder disease
- Enlargement of the fingertips and toes (clubbing)
- Rapid dehydration and heat stroke
- Fertility issues
What kind of treatment is available for my child?
Airway Clearance Technique (ACT):
Helps loosen the thick mucus in the lungs and improve lung function
Inhaled medications:
Given by aerosol or by a metered dose inhaler (MDI) and used with ACT to help clear mucus from the lungs
Antibiotics:
Medications that stop infection-causing bacteria and can be given orally, through an IV or by aerosol
Pancreatic enzymes:
These help to digest food and replace natural enzymes that are not able to get through the blocked pancreatic ducts. Enzymes come in capsules and are taken orally before meals and after snacks.
Exercise treatment:
Range of motion, strength, posture and endurance.
Visit all your child's specialists in one trip to Driscoll Children's Hospital.
For your convenience, please ask any of our specialty clinics to coordinate all of your child's appointments in one day.
You can contact us at (361) 694-5000 or call your specialty clinic directly for further assistance.