Condition
Pediatric Cystic Fibrosis
Key points about cystic fibrosis
- Cystic fibrosis (CF) is an inherited disease characterized by an abnormality in the body's salt, water-making cells and mucus-making cells.
- Many children are diagnosed with CF before they show symptoms due to newborn screening programs that have been implemented.
- At the present time, there is no cure for CF; however, gene therapy research is being conducted.
- Treatment for your child could include: chest physical therapy, exercise, medication, digestive support and psychosocial care.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is cystic fibrosis (CF)?
What are the symptoms of cystic fibrosis in children?
How is cystic fibrosis diagnosed in children?
What treatments are available for cystic fibrosis in children?
Meet the Providers Who Treat Cystic Fibrosis
Patient Stories
- Helping Lyla Run for Touchdowns
Lyla is a middle school athlete who plays travel flag football, basketball and soccer. Since she was 4, care providers at Children's National Hospital have helped make sure that cystic fibrosis doesn"t get in the way of her game.
- Ryan M's Story
Father and son Ryan and Alex Morales know what it's like to spend days�even weeks in the hospital. The two have been patients at Children's National Hospital for more than 10 years. Their stories are connected by Children's National physicians who have been treating them since 2005 and continue to see them improve and grow in more ways than one.
Departments that Treat Cystic Fibrosis
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Respiratory Care Services
A dedicated team of nearly 100 professionals provides respiratory care services around the clock for outpatients and inpatients at Children's National Hospital. Our therapists excel in the field for their technical knowledge as well as their expertise in working with kids.
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Pre-Operative Care Clinic
When your child is having surgery at Children's National Hospital, the Pre-Operative Care Clinic's (POCC) team of pediatric professionals screens patients for surgery and creates a specific care plan for each patient.
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The Zickler Family Prenatal Pediatrics Institute
The Zickler Family Prenatal Pediatrics Institute at Children's National Hospital in Washington, D.C., provides specialized care for babies during pregnancy, delivery and after birth.