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.

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 treat patients with the highest quality care available.

Symptoms

  • 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

Treatments

Airway Clearance Technique (ACT): Helps loosen the thick mucus in the lungs and improve lung function

Inhaled medications: Used with ACT to help clear mucus from the lungs; given by aerosol or by a metered dose inhaler (MDI)

Antibiotics: Medications that stop infection-causing bacteria; given orally, through an IV or by aerosol

Pancreatic enzymes: Help digest food and replace natural enzymes that are unable to pass through the blocked pancreatic ducts; given orally in capsule form

Exercise: Improve lung function with a range of strength, posture and endurance building activity

Seamless Specialist Care

Visit all your child's specialists in one trip to Driscoll Children's Hospital.

Contact any of our specialty clinics to schedule a convenient one-day visit to all your child’s specialists.

Call 361-694-5000 or your 
specialty clinic.

Meet the Cystic Fibrosis Center Team

Santiago Encalada MD
Santiago Encalada
MD
Pulmonology
Cystic Fibrosis Center
Jon Roberts MD
Jon Roberts
MD
Pulmonology
Cystic Fibrosis Center
See All Driscoll Children’s Doctors

Cystic Fibrosis Center Locations

Driscoll Children's Hospital, Corpus Christi

3533 S. Alameda St.
Corpus Christi
TX 
78411
(361) 694-5000
24hrs
Cystic Fibrosis Center
2nd Floor Rehab Building
(361) 694-4447

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Together, Against All Odds

Our experts put their passion to work every day, helping kids defy incredible odds on their health journeys here at Driscoll.
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