Learn about cystic fibrosis, a genetic disorder that affects the lungs, pancreas, and other organs, and how to treat and live with this chronic disease.
CF is a rare genetic disease found in about 30,000 people in the U.S. If you have CF or are considering testing for it, knowing about the role of genetics in CF can help you make informed decisions about your health care.
If you or your child has just been diagnosed with cystic fibrosis, or your doctor has recommended testing for CF, you may have many questions.
Diagnosing CF is a multistep process. A complete diagnostic evaluation should include a newborn screening, a sweat chloride test, a genetic or carrier test, and a clinical evaluation at a CF Foundation-accredited care center.
Raising a child with cystic fibrosis can bring up many questions because CF affects many aspects of your child’s life. Here you’ll find resources to help you manage your child’s daily needs and find the best possible CF care.
Living with cystic fibrosis comes with many challenges, including medical, social, and financial. By learning more about how you can manage your disease every day, you can ultimately help find a balance between your busy lifestyle and your CF care.
People with CF are living longer, healthier lives than ever before. As an adult with CF, you may reach key milestones you might not have considered. Planning for these life events requires careful thought as you make decisions that may impact your life.
People with cystic fibrosis are living longer and more fulfilling lives, thanks in part to specialized CF care and a range of treatment options.
Cystic Fibrosis Foundation-accredited care centers provide expert care and specialized disease management to people living with cystic fibrosis.
We provide funding for and accredit more than 120 care centers and 53 affiliate programs nationwide. The high quality of specialized care available throughout the care center network has led to the improved length and quality of life for people with CF.
The Cystic Fibrosis Foundation provides standard care guidelines based on the latest research, medical evidence, and consultation with experts on best practices.
As a clinician, you’re critical in helping people with CF maintain their quality of life. We’re committed to helping you partner with patients and their families by providing resources you can use to improve and continue to provide high-quality care.
As part of the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation's mission to help improve the lives of people living with cystic fibrosis, the PSDC initiative taps the CF community to inform key efforts to support the management of daily care.
Your cystic fibrosis care team includes a group of CF health care professionals who partner with you to provide specialized, comprehensive CF care.
Many people living with cystic fibrosis and their families face complicated issues related to getting the care they need. Cystic Fibrosis Foundation Compass makes sure that no one has to do it alone.
CF Foundation Compass is a service that helps people with CF and their families with navigating insurance options, connecting to legal information and experts, finding available financial resources, and tackling other life issues.
CF care team members are paramount in providing highly specialized care to people living with CF. CF Foundation Compass can help by serving as a strategic ally for care teams, so team members can focus on their patients’ care.
CF Foundation Compass can help you navigate insurance, financial, legal, and other issues you are facing. Use this online form to start your conversation with a Compass case manager today.
The Cystic Fibrosis Foundation is the world’s leader in the search for a cure for CF and supports a broad range of research initiatives to tackle the disease from all angles.
The CF Foundation offers a number of resources for learning about clinical trials and treatments that are being developed to improve the treatment of cystic fibrosis.
Our understanding of CF continues to evolve as scientists study what causes the disease and how it affects the body. These insights drive the development of new and better treatments and bring us one step closer to a cure.
Researchers, supported by the CF Foundation, have made tremendous advances to improve the health and quality of life of people with CF. We are committed to providing the tools and resources you need to continuously build upon this work.
Healthy lungs and maintaining lung function is central to the health of people with CF. Below is information on CF clinical care guidelines developed to help people with CF improve and maintain respiratory health.
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Blog Post
Lung Transplant Referral Guidelines
The purpose of these guidelines is to provide recommendations to the CF community regarding appropriate identification and timely referral of individuals with advanced CF lung disease to transplant centers.
Learn more
Chronic Medications to Maintain Lung Health Clinical Care Guidelines
These guidelines were developed by consensus based on expert opinion and a medical literature review to provide evidence-based recommendations for chronic medication use for lung health maintenance.
CF Airway Clearance Therapies Clinical Care Guidelines
Airway clearance therapies improve the efficacy of the mucociliary escalator and elicit a cough. These guidelines reviewed and compared the various techniques and devices.
Pulmonary Exacerbations Clinical Care Guidelines
Pulmonary exacerbations are common among people with cystic fibrosis, yet little is known about best treatment practices. These guidelines were developed by consensus based on expert opinion and a review of the medical literature.
Pneumothorax and Hemoptysis Clinical Care Guidelines
Hemoptysis and pneumothorax are complications reported in people with cystic fibrosis. This document reflects the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation's Pulmonary Therapies Committee recommendations for the treatment of hemoptysis and pneumothorax.
With more than 70 chapters and offices across the country, there are plenty of ways to get involved.
Cystic Fibrosis Foundation
4550 Montgomery Ave. Suite 1100 N Bethesda, MD 20814
301-951-4422
800-344-4823 (toll free)
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