Pediatric Cystic Fibrosis (CF)
If your child is diagnosed as having cystic fibrosis (CF), partner with UNC Children’s expert team. You can count on specialized care, advanced treatments, and extensive support for the whole family. Our clinic is fully accredited by the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation and cares for more than 320 children from North Carolina and nearby states, keeping them as healthy and active as possible.
What is Cystic Fibrosis?
Cystic fibrosis is a genetic disease that causes the body to produce unusually thick, sticky mucus. The mucus clogs lungs and makes it difficult for the digestive tract to absorb important nutrients.
Diagnosing Cystic Fibrosis
Today, all newborns in the United States are screened for cystic fibrosis. (Newborn screen for CF first began in North Carolina in April 2009.) That’s because the earlier CF is detected and treatment is started, the healthier your child will be.
Complete Diagnostic Testing
If your child’s newborn screening shows a positive (abnormal) result, you’ll need further diagnostic tests to find out whether your baby has cystic fibrosis. For newborns with an abnormal result, the next step is to schedule a sweat test, an outpatient procedure which allows the precise amount of salt in a child’s sweat. At the time of your child’s appointment, you will receive additional information about the screening test, the sweat test, and cystic fibrosis.
Most of the infants tested due to an abnormal screening test do not have cystic fibrosis, but additional testing will be necessary in some cases. UNC Children’s pediatric cystic fibrosis specialists provide a complete array of diagnostic tests related to cystic fibrosis.
Symptoms of Cystic Fibrosis
Your physician may recommend diagnostic testing if your child shows symptoms of CF and was not screened as a newborn. (Again, newborn screening for CF in North Carolina began in April 2009.) Common symptoms include:
- Very salty tasting skin
- Persistent cough, sometimes with phlegm
- Frequent lung infections
- Wheezing or shortness of breath
- Poor growth and slow weight gain
- Frequent greasy, bulk stools or difficulty in bowel movements
Multidisciplinary Pediatric CF Clinic
When your child comes to UNC Children’s multidisciplinary CF clinic—located in the children’s outpatient center on the ground floor of UNC Children’s Hospital—care team members will rotate through your room to provide evaluations, services, and education. We bring everyone together in one place to make your visits as convenient and helpful as possible.
Your child’s team, comprised of specialists with expertise in managing cystic fibrosis, will include:
- Dietitians
- Nurses
- Board-certified pediatric pulmonologists
- Physical therapists
- Psychologists
- Respiratory therapists
- Social workers
The UNC Children’s CF Clinic offers appointments Tuesday through Friday from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Effective Management of Cystic Fibrosis
Your child’s CF care team will work with your family to create a regular treatment routine to keep your child in the best possible health. The plan will consider all features of your child’s health related to CF and may include:
- Quarterly clinic visits at a minimum
- Airway clearance therapies – Loosen thick, sticky lung mucus so it can be cleared by coughing
- Antibiotics – Treat infection caused by bacteria, fungi
- Inhaled medications – Treat aspects of CF lung infection and mucous plugging
- Nutrition/diet recommendations
- Pancreatic enzymes – Assist with digestion
If your child develops cystic fibrosis-related diabetes (CFRD), you’ll find UNC Children’s pediatric endocrinologists and certified diabetes educators have expertise in caring for kids with this unique form of diabetes.
Leading the Search for New Treatments
Your child will benefit from being treated by physicians who contribute to clinical research trials and observational studies to find the best treatments for cystic fibrosis.
If you would like to learn more about our current research studies please contact Raymond Culver via email (raymond_culver@med.unc.edu) or by calling 984-974-2964.
Transition to Adult Care
Today, many people with cystic fibrosis live into their 30s, 40s, and beyond, leading active adult lives. Because UNC Medical Center’s adult cystic fibrosis clinic also is accredited by the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation, your child can count on seamless, high-quality, lifelong care in one location.
