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.
Dartmouth-Hitchcock's 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 Children's Hospital at Dartmouth-Hitchcock 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 Medical Center and Dartmouth-Hitchcock Manchester host clinics every month for existing cystic fibrosis patients.
Dartmouth-Hitchcock Medical Center Cystic Fibrosis Clinic:
- Adult patients: first Wednesday of each month, from 1:30 to 4:30 pm
- Pediatric patients: first Tuesday of each month, from 9 am to noon; and the fourth Tuesday of each month, from 1:00 to 4:00 pm
Dartmouth-Hitchcock Manchester Cystic Fibrosis Clinic:
- Adult patients: third Wednesday of the month
- Pediatric patients: every Monday morning
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.
The CFRD clinic meets every other month, on the fourth Wednesday of the month, from 1:30 to 4:30 pm, at Dartmouth-Hitchcock Medical Center in Lebanon
Frequently asked questions
Get answers to some frequently asked questions about cystic fibrosis and visits to our clinics.