Cystic Fibrosis Care Center
The Cystic Fibrosis (CF) Center diagnoses and treats patients with all stages of cystic fibrosis. Our center's mission is to provide high quality patient and family centered medical care and education to help children and adult patients and their families improve their quality of life with cystic fibrosis.
We are one of 120 accredited cystic fibrosis centers throughout the nation and one of two in the State of Georgia. These centers are accredited by the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation, a non-profit organization dedicated to improving care and treatment for patients with cystic fibrosis.
Through partnership with healthcare providers who specialize in the treatment of CF, the CF Foundation has established clinical care guidelines which address such things as preventive care, treatment of lung infections, nutrition, and infection control for individuals with CF. Choosing a CF center that has been accredited by the CF Foundation ensures quality of care.
Our multidisciplinary care team is dedicated to providing comprehensive inpatient and outpatient care for patients with CF. Our patients also benefit from access to national clinical research opportunities and an active quality improvement initiative.
Clinical Visits
The CF Foundation has established guidelines for maintaining the health of all patients with cystic fibrosis which reflect the most up-to-date evidence & expert opinion on the treatment of CF.
Clinical Trials
Research plays a vital role in increasing our knowledge of cystic fibrosis, while improving therapies & increasing survival for CF patients. We invite all of our CF patients to participate in clinical trials.
Hospital Visits
Our CF care team has an aggressive approach to CF care. We strive to make “health” our priority and keeping patients healthy is our goal.
Jump to: What is Cystic Fibrosis?How is it diagnosed?TreatmentsCystic Fibrosis Care Team
What is Cystic Fibrosis?
Cystic fibrosis is a genetic (inherited) disease that affects predominantly the lungs and digestive systems of about 30,000 people in the United States.
An altered gene causes cells in the body to produce mucus that is thicker and stickier than normal. This mucus can clog the lungs, leading to life-threatening lung infections. It can also obstruct the pancreas and prevent the release of natural enzymes the body needs to break down and absorb food.
In the 1950s, most children with cystic fibrosis did not live to attend elementary school. Fortunately, advances in medical care have greatly extended the life expectancy as well as the quality of life for children and adults with cystic fibrosis. Many patients with CF can now expect to live into their 20s, 40s, and beyond.
How is Cystic Fibrosis diagnosed?
Newborn Screening
In 2007, Georgia added cystic fibrosis to the list of disorders tested for in its newborn screening program. Blood taken from a heel prick after birth tests for the most common gene mutations that cause CF. Our CF Newborn Screening page will tell you more about what to expect from this test.
Sweat Testing
A small amount of sweat is collected from the skin and analyzed for salt content. This test is painless. Results are usually available on the same day. Our CF Newborn Screening page provides more information on how to understand sweat test results.
Genetic Testing
A blood sample is sent to a special lab for genetic testing. Results may take several weeks to one month.
Treatment
An early diagnosis of CF and a comprehensive treatment plan can improve both survival and quality of life. Follow-up and monitoring are very important. If possible, patients should be cared for at cystic fibrosis specialty clinics.
Airway clearance techniques which can include:
- Coughing or huffing (a gentle cough)
- Chest physical therapy (CPT) which involves lying in various positions and clapping on the chest
- Using a positive expiratory pressure (PEP) device, which is often a mask or a mouthpiece attached to a special machine.
- Breathing out through a flutter device
- Wearing a special vest that is attached to a machine that vibrates at a high frequency
- Albuterol and Pulmozyme may be given during this type of treatment, but no inhaled antibiotics.
- Autogenic drainage, or drainage controlled by the person with CF
- This requires good technique and control and the technique must be evaluated by a
respiratory therapist frequently
Treatment for bowel & nutritional problems may include:
- A special diet high in protein and calories
- Pancreatic enzymes to help absorb fats and proteins
- Vitamin supplements; especially vitamins A,D,E, and K
Treatment for lung problems may include:
- Antibiotics to prevent and treat lung and sinus infections
- Inhaled medicines to help open the airways
- DNAse enzyme replacement therapy to thin mucus and make it easier to cough up
- Flu vaccine and pneumococcal vaccines
- Lung transplant is an option in some cases
- Oxygen therapy may be needed as lung disease gets worse
Self care considerations:
- See your Cystic Fibrosis Care Team every three months as recommended by the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation
- Avoid cigarette smoke
- Exercise three to five times per week; walking, swimming, cycling, jogging are good options but be careful not to over-exert yourself
- Drink plenty of fluids
- Keep your distance from others who are sick
- Use good hand washing techniques and call your doctor when you think you may be getting sick