Lung specialists (pulmonologists) and other members of the care team at Children's of Mississippi provide evaluation and treatment for children with cystic fibrosis (CF), a life-threatening genetic disease that can make breathing difficult.
As part of Mississippi’s only academic medical center, we offer clinical trials, when appropriate, testing new medications and techniques designed to improve CF treatments. Additionally, our program is accredited by the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation.
How does cystic fibrosis affect the body?
CF causes an unhealthy buildup of mucus that can clog some organs in the body, particularly the lungs and the pancreas. This unusually thick mucus causes germs to get stuck in the child’s airways and can lead to swelling, infections, and lung disease. Mucus can also clog the digestive tract and the pancreas, blocking substances, called enzymes, necessary for breaking down and absorbing food. People with CF often need to replace these enzymes with medicine.
A continuum of care beyond childhood
Our program parallels adult services at UMMC, home to the only Cystic Fibrosis Center in the state. Children in the pediatric program can seamlessly transition to the adult program between the ages of 18 and 21. This gives children with CF the advantage of consistent, expert care throughout childhood and beyond.
Services we offer:
- Cystic fibrosis newborn screening
- Sweat testing
- Pulmonary function testing
- Cold air challenge (CACh) testing
- Evaluation and treatment of patients on oxygen therapy
- Evaluation and management of difficult-to-treat asthma
- Evaluation of upper and lower airway disorders
- Spirometry (breathing tests)
- Flu and pneumonia vaccines
- Laboratory testing
- Diagnostic X-rays
UMMC
