What is Cystic Fibrosis?

An inherited chronic disease that affects the lungs and digestive system, cystic fibrosis causes the body to produce unusually thick, sticky mucus that clogs the lungs and leads to life-threatening lung infections. It also obstructs the pancreas and stops natural enzymes from helping the body break down and absorb food properly.

Symptoms of Cystic  Fibrosis

• Very salty-tasting skin
• Persistent coughing
• Frequent lung infections
• Shortness of breath or wheezing
• Poor growth and weight gain in spite of a healthy appetite
• Loose, foul smelling stools

How We Can Help

MU Children's Hospital's team of pulmonary medicine specialists have earned the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation's accredited care center designation which means our high quality of specilized care has lead to improved length and quality of life of children with cystic fibrosis. The team of doctors, nurses and staff the Cystic Fibrosis Center at MU Children's Hospital work with patients and their families to help them successfully manage their daily care.

Read about CFpatient, Jeffrey Mullen, who has not let his diagnosis keep him sidelined.

Where We Are

Children's Hospital Pediatric and Adolescent Specialty Clinic
402 Keene Street
Columbia, Mo. 65201
(573) 882-6921

Outreach

Cystic Fibrosis clinic the second Wednesday of each month
St. John's Regional Health Center
Springfield, Mo.
(573) 882-6978