Cystic fibrosis is a disease that causes thick, sticky mucus to build up in your body. It occurs when you inherit a defective gene from each of your parents. Pulmonology experts in the Emory Adult Cystic Fibrosis Program offer specialized care to help you manage this challenging disease.
Cystic Fibrosis
Your Partner for Cystic Fibrosis Management
Why Choose Emory Healthcare?
Cystic fibrosis affects you physically and emotionally. It can have a big impact on your lifestyle. At Emory Healthcare, we develop personalized treatment plans to address all your needs and help you achieve the best possible outcomes.
Our Cystic Fibrosis Center is accredited by the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation. We offer an expert team specially trained in cystic fibrosis, holistic support and a full range of therapies, including clinical trials. Because most people receive a diagnosis as children and move from pediatric to adult care, we provide services to make the transition easier.
About Cystic Fibrosis
The gene responsible for cystic fibrosis causes changes in the cells of your body that make mucus and sweat. In your lungs, mucus buildup interferes with breathing. Thick fluid in your pancreas and intestinal mucus can cause problems with digestion.
Doctors typically diagnose cystic fibrosis in young children, but some individuals don't discover they have the condition until adulthood. Cystic fibrosis is a lifelong condition with no cure. However, treatment advances help people lead longer, more fulfilling lives. Investigators are also actively engaged in research to improve treatments and the quality of life for people with the disease.
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Cystic Fibrosis Signs and Symptoms
Signs and symptoms of cystic fibrosis may include:
- Chronic coughing or wheezing
- Club-shaped fingers or toes
- Difficulty gaining weight
- Frequent digestive issues, such as constipation, diarrhea or abdominal pain
- Frequent lung or sinus infections
- Intestinal blockage
- Salty skin
- Male infertility
Sometimes, infants may fail to pass stool right after birth. When stool does pass, it’s usually dark green and sticky. Children may also experience delayed growth.
Cystic Fibrosis Diagnosis
Childhood symptoms may point to a cystic fibrosis diagnosis. Issues such as failure to pass stool immediately after birth, inability to gain weight and frequent lung infections offer important clues.
In both children and adults, doctors rely on certain tests to make a diagnosis. These include:
- Sweat tests are the standard cystic fibrosis test.
- The test involves measuring levels of chloride in sweat collected from the skin.
- High levels indicate cystic fibrosis is present.
- Blood tests check for the gene associated with cystic fibrosis.
Living with Cystic Fibrosis
Cystic fibrosis can create many challenges for those with the disease. Some of these include:
- Chronic lung infections
- Difficulty absorbing important nutrients
- Diabetes and its complications
- Fertility and family planning concerns
- Osteoporosis and the risk for bone fractures
- Possible need for lung transplantation
- Health insurance and employment issues
At Emory Healthcare, we have specialists who can help with all of these issues.
Cystic Fibrosis Treatments
We offer a complete array of treatment options for cystic fibrosis, including clinical trials.
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Make an Appointment with Emory Pulmonology Services
Create a MyChart account to schedule online or call 404-778-3261 to schedule an appointment.
Make an Appointment with Emory Pulmonology Services
Create a MyChart account to schedule online or call 404-778-3261 to schedule an appointment.