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The IWK Cystic Fibrosis (CF) Clinic provides multi-disciplinary care for infants, children and youth diagnosed with Cystic Fibrosis. The clinic has a Maritime mandate – which means we care for patients with CF and their families from Nova Scotia, New Brunswick and Prince Edward Island.
Cystic Fibrosis is a genetic disease that mainly affects the lungs and digestive systems. CF is inherited equally from both sides of the family. Both parents must carry a gene for CF, however, carriers to not have any symptoms of the disease. When the child inherits a CF gene from each parent, they will be born with CF.
Cystic Fibrosis is diagnosed by a sweat test, which measures the amount of salt in their sweat. The diagnosis is also confirmed by the presence of symptoms related to CF and genetic testing. The most common signs and symptoms of CF are a cough, frequent respiratory infections, thick mucous in the airways, a large appetite with poor weight gain and frequent smelly stools, failure to thrive and a salty taste to their skin.
The IWK CF Clinic is located on the 1st floor of the IWK Children’s Services Site.
