Cystic fibrosis (CF) is a genetic disorder that affects the respiratory, digestive, and reproductive systems. A defective gene causes the body to produce abnormally thick, sticky mucus that clogs the lungs and leads to life-threatening lung infections. These thick secretions also obstruct the pancreas, preventing digestive enzymes from reaching the intestines that help break down and absorb food.
There are approximately 30,000 people in the United States with CF and more around the world. While there is currently no cure, the number of people with CF living active adult lives continues to grow.
Our Cystic Fibrosis Center is accredited by the national Cystic Fibrosis Foundation and is New Hampshire's most comprehensive cystic fibrosis treatment center. Our mission is to provide compassionate, responsive, collaborative care for people and their families affected by cystic fibrosis.
Our services
We offer a variety of services, including diagnostic testing, patient evaluation and monitoring, respiratory therapy, nutrition counseling and evaluation, and psychosocial services.
We offer a variety of services including:
- Diagnostic testing
- Evaluation and monitoring
- Nutrition counseling and evaluation
- Psychosocial services
- Respiratory therapy
Read about the cystic fibrosis treatments and services we offer on the Dartmouth Health Children's website.
All babies born in New Hampshire are now required to have a newborn cystic fibrosis screening test.
Patient support and education
Cystic fibrosis clinics
Dartmouth Hitchcock Clinics Manchester and Dartmouth Hitchcock Medical Center host clinics every month for existing cystic fibrosis patients.
Dartmouth Hitchcock Clinics Manchester Cystic Fibrosis Clinic:
- Adult patients: first and third Mondays of the month
- Pediatric patients: second and fourth Mondays of each month
Dartmouth Hitchcock Medical Center Cystic Fibrosis Clinic:
- Adult patients: first and fourth Wednesdays of each month, from 1:00 to 4:30 pm
- Pediatric patients: second and fourth Tuesdays of each month
Cystic Fibrosis Patient and Family Advisory and Advocacy Committee
The Cystic Fibrosis Patient and Family Advisory and Advocacy Committee (CFPFAAC) is a group for cystic fibrosis parents and family members of people with cystic fibrosis. The group seeks to enhance both the medical care of CF patients and their quality of life.
Cystic fibrosis-related diabetes (CFRD) clinic
About 30% of adult cystic fibrosis patients develop cystic fibrosis-related diabetes (CFRD). The goal of treating diabetes for these patients is to maintain adequate sugar levels and good nutrition. Our CF professionals and endocrinology specialists hold a regular CFRD clinic for these patients.
Endocrinology specialists participate in the regularly scheduled adult CF clinics and may be scheduled to meet with adult patients as needed.