Lewis H. Walker, MD, Cystic Fibrosis Center
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.
Specialized care.
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:
- Educating yourself, family and friends about the disease.
- Performing daily chest percussions or using an alternative airway clearance device such as the Flutter Valve, pep valve or manual chest physical therapy to prevent infection.
- Encouraging an active and normal lifestyle.
- Encouraging high-calorie intake and taking digestive enzymes (90% of CF patients require enzymes).
- Taking antibiotics and other medications exactly as prescribed. Many patients require daily aerosols of mucus-thinning medication, antibiotics or bronchodilators.
- Working with your healthcare providers and staying informed.
Locations
Contact Cystic Fibrosis Center
Akron Children's Hospital Cystic Fibrosis Center
Considine Professional Building
215 West Bowery Street
Suite 6500
Akron, Ohio 44308
Fax: 330-543-8890
More about this location...
Map & directions
Our Doctors/Providers
Director, Lewis H Walker CF Center; Pediatric Pulmonologist
Robert Abood, MD, FAAP
Medical Director, Clinical Exercise Physiology Lab; Pediatric Pulmonologist
Starla Martinez, MD, FAAP
Director, Robert T. Stone, MD, Respiratory Center; Pediatric Pulmonologist
Debbie Toder, MD, FAAP
Medical Director, Pulmonary Function Testing Lab & Ventilator and Respiratory Technology Program; Pediatric Pulmonologist
What Should Families Expect When They Come for an Appointment?
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.
Limiting the Number of Caregivers and Face Covering
The number of caregivers permitted to accompany a child to an appointment is dependent on the department you are visiting. Everyone visiting an Akron Children's facility is asked to wear masks or face coverings, except for kids under 2 or those with sensory issues. Masks will be provided for visitors who do not bring their own.
Checking In and Screening of Visitors
Akron Children's now offers Mobile Check-in to limit your exposure to others. You'll receive a text an hour before your child's appointment arrival time. Click the link in the text when you reach the Akron Children's facility for your child's appointment. You will receive a confirmation text that reminds you to wait in your car. Once we determine appropriate spacing is available inside the building, you'll receive a third text to let you know it's OK to come in for your appointment.
Immediately upon entering the building, your temperature will be taken, either by a thermal scanner or a greeter who will also ask you a few questions.
If you are in a waiting room, you’ll notice signs and a limited number of chairs. This is to remind our patients to keep 6 feet of physical distance between your family and others.
Precautions If You Suspect Your Child Has COVID-19
Call your child’s healthcare professional if your child is sick with fever, cough, or difficulty breathing and has been in close contact with a person known to have COVID-19, or if you live in or have recently traveled from an area with ongoing spread of COVID-19. Your health care professional will work with Ohio’s public health department and the CDC to determine if your child needs to be tested for COVID-19.
View all the safety precautions Akron Children's is taking.
Videos
Some of the Conditions We Treat...
cystic fibrosis
