Adult Cystic Fibrosis

What is Adult Cystic Fibrosis?

Cystic fibrosis (CF) is a progressive, genetic disease that causes persistent lung infections and limits the ability to breathe over time. In people with CF, a defective gene causes a thick, sticky buildup of mucus in the lungs, pancreas, and other organs. In the lungs, the mucus clogs the airways and traps bacteria leading to infections, extensive lung damage, and eventually, respiratory failure. In the pancreas, the mucus prevents the release of digestive enzymes that allow the body to break down food and absorb vital nutrients.

Common symptoms include:

A chronic cough, at times with phlegm
Frequent lung infections including pneumonia or bronchitis
Wheezing or shortness of breath
Very salty-tasting skin
Poor growth or weight gain in spite of a good appetite
Frequent greasy, bulky stools or difficulty with bowel movements
Male infertility

Contact the Adult Cystic Fibrosis Center.

Call (585) 276-7900

UR Medicine's Treatments for Adult Cystic Fibrosis

Accredited by the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation (CFF), we are a premiere Cystic Fibrosis Center serving Upstate New York. Our Center adheres to the stringent standards set forth by the CF Foundation using approved guidelines resulting in an appropriate management of patients with CF. We provide a team approach to care that includes medical, nurse, registered dietitian, physical therapy, social worker, and respiratory therapy cystic fibrosis specialists. We collaborate closely with our colleagues in the University of Rochester Medical Center Pediatric Cystic Fibrosis Center to assist adolescents and young adults in the transition from pediatric to adult care.

What Sets Us Apart?

The Adult Cystic Fibrosis Center is part of the Complex Care Center. Our team will make your health the top priority. Your doctor, nurse and/or care manager will work with you and the important people in your life to develop a plan of care that is best for you. We will help you learn about your health condition and how to treat any other diseases or illnesses you may have (e.g., diabetes, hypertension). The more you know, the better decisions you can make about your own health.