Cystic Fibrosis Care at University of Colorado Hospital
Why Choose Treatment for Cystic Fibrosis (CF) at University of Colorado Hospital?
Our Cystic Fibrosis Center is one of the largest in the United States, and is accredited by the CF Foundation. We offer multidisciplinary care. Our program is comprehensive, and works closely with:
Through our affiliation with National Jewish Medical and Research Center, the Colorado Adult Cystic Fibrosis Center has a nationwide referral base for the evaluation of individuals with mild forms of Cystic Fibrosis. Some of these cases remain unrecognized until adulthood. As the adult component of the University of Colorado CF Center, we are part of the National CF Therapeutic Development Network and are actively engaged in clinical trials of promising new treatments for CF.
What is Cystic Fibrosis?
Cystic fibrosis is the most common life-limiting genetic disorder in whites, affecting approximately 30,000 children and adults in the United States. The disease causes production of abnormally thick, sticky mucus. This leads to increased lung infections and lung damage. This mucus also obstructs the pancreas; this prevents natural enzymes from helping the body break down and digest food.
Cystic fibrosis symptoms can include:
- Skin that is salty-tasting
- Persistent cough, often with phlegm
- Recurrent lung infections
- Shortness of breath, wheezing
- Difficulty growing and gaining weight
- Greasy, bulky stools, or difficult bowel movements.
Cystic Fibrosis: Featured Item
Through our national referral base, we have collected the oldest documented population of CF patients in the world. The Colorado Adult CF Program as extensive experience with milder forms of CF that are diagnosed in adulthood, and evaluating patients suspected of having cystic fibrosis.
Cystic Fibrosis: New Research
The Colorado Adult CF Program is a site enrolling patients for the highly anticipated study of the new "dry powder" form of inhaled tobramycin. This product, if successful, could lead to significant reductions in the time needed for CF patients to perform their daily health maintenance routines. Patients can contact Marin Jones, (303) 398-1265, for more information.
Cystic Fibrosis: Featured Doctors
Jerry Nick, MD, is director of the Adult Cystic Fibrosis Program. He is board-certified in pulmonary/critical care medicine. His research focuses on the study of mechanisms that allow a type of white blood cell to respond to bacterial infections in the lung.
Milene Saavedra, MD, is associated director of the Adult Cystic Fibrosis Program. She is board-certified in pulmonary/critical care medicine. Her research focuses on the study of inflammation in the CF bloodstream and lung.