The cystic fibrosis center at Akron Children's Hospital is 1 of 6 in Ohio that provides comprehensive care for cystic fibrosis, including respiratory therapy, physical therapy, genetic counseling and nutrition counseling. We also actively participate in clinical trials to research new drug therapies to manage the chronic disease. Our goal is to improve treatment and quality of life for children and adults affected by CF.
We provide diagnosis and treatment to children and adults with cystic fibrosis. Treatment depends on the stage of the disease and which organs are involved.
Most therapies are designed to clear the lungs of the thick mucus to make breathing easier, minimize the bacteria that cause respiratory infections, and provide the missing digestive enzymes for food absorption.
Children with CF must eat a healthy, high-calorie diet supplemented with vitamins, and usually medications that contain pancreatic enzymes to help aid food absorption. Many also require daily respiratory therapy, where a parent or caretaker is trained to perform vigorous percussions on the back and chest to dislodge thick mucus from the lungs.
Lung and liver transplants, stronger antibiotics and medications that thin mucus have contributed to the increased life of CF patients.
If you or a family member has cystic fibrosis, we recommend:
Director, Lewis H Walker CF Center; Pediatric Pulmonologist
Medical Director, Clinical Exercise Physiology Lab; Pediatric Pulmonologist
Director, Robert T. Stone, MD, Respiratory Center; Pediatric Pulmonologist
Medical Director, Pulmonary Function Testing Lab & Ventilator and Respiratory Technology Program; Pediatric Pulmonologist
At Akron Children’s, your child’s health and safety is our priority. Please continue to bring your child for wellness visits, vaccinations or sick care appointments that keep children healthy. We want to assure you that we have taken additional precautions to ensure a safe environment for your child and family. The following are additional safety efforts, in addition to our normal cleaning protocols, that we are taking to help you be comfortable bringing your child to an appointment.
Akron Children’s has a number of safety protocols in place for our patients and visitors in order to provide a safe hospital environment.