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Pulmonology

Cystic Fibrosis Center

UCSF's Pediatric Cystic Fibrosis Center specializes in the care of children born with this genetic lung disorder. We offer screening and diagnosis for children of any age and comprehensive care aimed at slowing the disease's progression and promoting our patients' normal growth and development. We're certified for cystic fibrosis care both nationally, through the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation, and at the state level through California Children's Services (CSS).

In people with CF, a defective gene causes a thick 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. As a result, CF patients often face multiple medical problems. Our comprehensive approach to care integrates the services of many pediatric specialists, including doctors, nurse practitioners, dietitians, social workers, respiratory therapists and physical therapists. We work closely with families to help them integrate even the most complex care regimens into their daily lives.

UCSF also is a major center for cystic fibrosis research, receiving more than $2 million a year from the National Institutes of Health to fund several important projects, among them a search for new treatments to correct the fundamental defect in the cystic fibrosis gene. We are one of the few cystic fibrosis research and development programs in the U.S. and have been funded by the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation for more than 20 years.

We're proud to have contributed to the advances and care that have dramatically improved quality of life and outcomes for CF patients.

Why choose us?

  • Nationally certified cystic fibrosis (CF) program, accredited by the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation (CFF), and certified by California Children's Services
  • We offer diagnosis and screening for newborns, infants, or later in childhood with the goal of promoting normal growth and development as well as slowing the progression of cystic fibrosis (CF) disease.
  • Our comprehensive care for cystic fibrosis patients integrates the services of a dedicated team of specialists: pediatric dietitians, social workers, respiratory therapists, and physical therapists.
  • We work closely with our families to help them integrate even the most complex care regiments into their daily life.
  • UCSF Benioff Children's Hospital is nationally known as a multi-center research site for cystic fibrosis and advanced pulmonary research.

Our locations (2)

    Our team

    Awards & recognition

    • One of the nation's best for pulmonology & lung surgery

    • Ranked among the nation's best in 11 specialties

    Plan your visit

    Preparing for your appointment

    What to Bring

    • Photo I.D.
    • Health insurance card
    • Insurance authorization, if required
    • Doctor's referral, if required
    • Recent test results related to your child's condition
    • List of medications, including dosages, plus any your child is allergic to
    • List of questions you may have
    • Device or paper for taking notes

    For visitors

    Before you head to the hospital, check out our guidelines for visitors and caregivers.

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    Your Stay

    We offer valuable information to help you plan for your child's upcoming hospital stay. Find out about food services, family accommodations and more.

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    Your Child's Care Team

    Our doctors, nurses, child life specialists and other providers have special training to care for children. Meet your child's care team.

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    Interpreter Services & Communication Assistance

    Interpreter services in many languages and TDDs are available for families that need help communicating with care teams. Here's how to access them.

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    Related clinics (1)

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    Child Life Services

    Activity rooms, pet therapy and more to help kids feel at home.

    Child Life

    Certified child life specialists ease the stress and anxiety of childhood illness through therapeutic play, schooling and family-focused support.

    Family Amenities

    Family-friendly amenities help you relax and take care of yourself while staying close to your child. We offer lounges, kitchens, showers, breastfeeding rooms and more.

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    Social Services

    Social workers ease the effect of illness, injury and hospitalization on your family with counseling and assistance to help you navigate the challenges.

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    Activity Rooms

    Activity rooms offer a relaxed environment for children of all ages. Features include a playroom, digital arts studio and teen lounge. Find out more.

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    Art Therapy

    Art therapy helps kids and families express themselves, making it easier to cope with pediatric health issues. Group and bedside services are available.

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    Music Therapy Program

    Board-certified music therapists help kids cope with illness and the feelings that come with it. Find out about group activities and bedside therapy.

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    School Program

    Our schoolroom services and individual learning programs help children hospitalized at UCSF continue their education and get ready to return to school.

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    School Re-Entry Program

    We help kids return to school after hospitalization by educating staff and students about their needs and recommending needed accommodations. Read more.

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    Individual Playtime & Instruction

    If your child can't be around other kids for medical reasons, you can sign up for private sessions in our activity and school rooms. Find out how.

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    Interpreter Services & Communication Assistance

    Interpreter services in many languages and TDDs are available for families that need help communicating with care teams. Here's how to access them.

    Family Resource Center

    We help families cope with the challenges of childhood illness and hospitalization in a relaxing environment where parents can get a much-needed break.

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    Parent Support Program

    Weekly activities, including knitting, scrapbooking, chair massage and more, help family caregivers get a much-needed break. Find out more.

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    Patient Relations

    Patient relations reps and nursing supervisors are here to answer questions and address concerns. Learn about your rights, how to reach us and more.

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    Spiritual Care

    Chaplains help UCSF patients, families and staff cope with the spiritual and emotional challenges of childhood illness. Learn more.

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    International Services

    If you're coming to UCSF from outside the U.S., we coordinate your child's appointments and provide other helpful services. Here's how to get started.

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