Cystic Fibrosis

Specialized Care for Children with Cystic Fibrosis

The Cystic Fibrosis Clinic at Manning Family Children’s provides comprehensive, multidisciplinary care for infants, children and adolescents with cystic fibrosis. Our team works closely with patients and families to provide coordinated, individualized care focused on maintaining lung health, supporting growth and nutrition, and helping children live full and active lives.

What Is Cystic Fibrosis?

Cystic fibrosis is a genetic condition that affects the lungs, digestive system and other organs. It causes thick, sticky mucus to build up in the body, which can lead to breathing problems, frequent lung infections and difficulty absorbing nutrients.

While cystic fibrosis is a lifelong condition, advances in treatment have helped children with CF live longer, healthier and more active lives. Early diagnosis, ongoing specialized care and individualized treatment are essential to helping children manage their condition and thrive.

Comprehensive Care for Every Child

Children with cystic fibrosis often have complex healthcare needs that require care from multiple specialists. Our multidisciplinary team works together to address every aspect of a child’s health and may include pediatric pulmonologists, nurses, respiratory therapists, dietitians and other specialists as needed.

Through regular monitoring, advanced therapies and personalized treatment plans, our team partners with families to help children manage their symptoms, maintain their health and achieve their best possible quality of life.

At the Cystic Fibrosis Clinic at Manning Family Children’s, we are committed to providing expert, coordinated care and ongoing support for children and families at every stage of their journey.

First and Only Accredited CF Clinic in the Area

The Cystic Fibrosis Clinic at Manning Family Children’s is the first and only Cystic Fibrosis Foundation-accredited cystic fibrosis clinic in the area. This accreditation reflects our commitment to providing comprehensive, specialized care for children with cystic fibrosis through a multidisciplinary team and evidence-based approach. Our team partners closely with patients and families to provide ongoing disease management, monitor lung and overall health, and help every child achieve the best possible quality of life.

Advancing Cystic Fibrosis Care Through Research

As part of the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation’s Therapeutics Development Network, our team participates in research focused on developing and evaluating new treatments and therapies for cystic fibrosis. Through this involvement, our patients have the opportunity to benefit from advances in CF care while our team contributes to research aimed at improving the health and quality of life of people living with cystic fibrosis.

Sweat chloride test information

The sweat chloride test is a painless, noninvasive procedure used to help diagnose cystic fibrosis (CF), a genetic condition that affects the lungs and digestive system. This test measures the amount of chloride (a component of salt) present in the sweat. Elevated chloride levels can indicate CF, which allows physicians to begin timely treatment and management if needed.

Refer a patient

To refer a patient, please contact the Dedicated Provider Referral Department by phone at 504.894.6778 or fax the patient’s information to 504.896.2704. The pulmonology nurse navigator will contact the patient and schedule the visit.

The Cystic Fibrosis Clinic is held at the Metairie Center (CHNO MET CF) once a month.