Adult Cystic Fibrosis Program

Our approach to adult cystic fibrosis

We help you navigate the physical, emotional, and financial challenges of cystic fibrosis. Our services include diagnosis, treatment, support, and education.

What to expect

Your first visit includes a review of your medical history, a physical exam, and a painless sweat test for diagnosis. We use that information to create your customized care plan.

Ongoing care often focuses on keeping your airways clear and ensuring you have a nutritious meal plan that helps you feel your best each day.

Preventing cystic fibrosis symptoms

Our respiratory therapists teach you safe and effective airway clearance techniques to use at home. These techniques include percussive therapy to break up mucus. We also recommend inhaled medications to keep your airway clear and antibiotics to treat lung infections.

In addition, you may have genetic testing to see if you’re eligible for innovative drug therapies available through clinical trials.

Tools for living well with CF

The best way to manage cystic fibrosis symptoms is to prevent problems before they happen. We help you find ways to prevent infections and manage your health. Our nutritionists create a personalized nutrition plan to keep your energy level high. And our social workers offer support for life’s challenges.

Caring for your whole self

Cystic fibrosis can affect many aspects of your health beyond your lungs. Our whole-person approach includes working with specialists in other areas to:

• Manage pancreatitis, liver disease, diabetes, and other related conditions
• Treat chronic sinusitis and other upper respiratory infections
• Provide family planning services for men with infertility
• Care for high-risk pregnancies

Lung transplantation

If you need a lung transplant, we work closely with specialists at the Mass General Brigham Lung Transplant Program, who will guide you through every step.

Leading-edge cystic fibrosis research

Our research focuses on making positive impacts on people’s daily lives and pioneering gene therapies.

Projects include:

• Stem cell-based therapies to repair and restore organs damaged by CF
• Hormonal treatments for people with CF who develop diabetes
• Advanced PET scans to help doctors and scientists understand and treat airway inflammation