Cystic fibrosis (CF) is treated by a team of doctors that specialize in different areas of medicine. Pulmonologists focus on lung health because CF causes problems with breathing. Gastroenterologists help manage digestive issues since CF also affects how the body absorbs food. Dietitians ensure patients get enough nutrition, while respiratory therapists help with treatments like breathing exercises. Physical therapists may help with clearing mucus from the lungs. Many people with CF get care at specialized cystic fibrosis centers, where experts work together to provide the best care possible. 

Symptoms of CF can vary from person to person and often get worse if left untreated.  

Common signs of CF include: 

• Frequent coughing, sometimes with thick mucus 

• Shortness of breath or wheezing 

• Frequent lung infections, like pneumonia or bronchitis 

• Difficulty gaining weight 

• Loose or oily stools or trouble with bowel movements 

• Salty skin or extra salty sweat 

• Stomach pain or bloating 

CF is usually diagnosed through several tests. Most babies are screened at birth through newborn screening. Babies with CF may have difficulty passing their first bowel movement, which can be an early sign. If CF is suspected, a sweat test is done. This test measures how much salt is in the sweat, which is higher in people with CF. Genetic testing may also be used to confirm the diagnosis by checking for mutations in the CFTR gene that causes CF. Sometimes, doctors will also do lung function tests or imaging tests like X-rays to understand how the disease is affecting the lungs. 

CF can be mistaken for other conditions with similar symptoms. Breathing problems in CF, like coughing and wheezing, may resemble asthma or chronic bronchitis, both of which also cause lung issues. Frequent lung infections can further blur the lines between CF and chronic bronchitis. Digestive symptoms, such as greasy stools and difficulty gaining weight, can be confused with celiac disease, which affects nutrient absorption, or Crohn’s disease, which causes digestive inflammation. CF’s impact on the pancreas might also be misdiagnosed as pancreatitis. To confirm cystic fibrosis, doctors use specific tests like the sweat test or genetic testing to ensure the correct diagnosis. 

Cystic fibrosis is a serious, life-shortening condition, but people with CF are living much longer than they used to. In the past, most people with CF didn’t live into adulthood, but now, with better treatments and care, many live into their 40s, 50s, or even longer. New medications help manage the disease, and regular care can improve quality of life. Even though there is no cure yet, researchers are working hard to develop new treatments that could help people with CF live longer.   

There are various reasons why you may want to see a specialist, such as: 

• Your primary care provider recommends it. 

• Your condition requires expert knowledge and specialized care. 

• Your symptoms persist or worsen despite treatment. 

• You need specialized testing or procedures. 

• You want a second opinion.  

It’s important to see a provider with expertise in your specific condition. Each provider profile in MediFind’s doctor database includes information on which conditions they treat, years of experience, research contributions, languages spoken, insurance plans accepted, and more.  

You can find a Cystic Fibrosis doctor in any of the 10 largest U.S. cities by clicking below:

Cystic Fibrosis doctor near New York, NY
Cystic Fibrosis doctor near Los Angeles, CA
Cystic Fibrosis doctor near Chicago, IL
Cystic Fibrosis doctor near Houston, TX
Cystic Fibrosis doctor near Phoenix, AZ
Cystic Fibrosis doctor near Philadelphia, PA
Cystic Fibrosis doctor near Atlanta, GA
Cystic Fibrosis doctor near Boston, MA
Cystic Fibrosis doctor near Dallas, TX
Cystic Fibrosis doctor near San Jose, CA

MediFind’s rankings are based on a variety of data sources, such as the number of articles a doctor has published in medical journals, participation in clinical trials and industry conferences, as well as the number of patients that provider sees for a given condition. Note that MediFind’s provider database is not based on user reviews, and providers do not pay to be included in the database. 

Most profiles in MediFind’s doctor database include a list of insurance plans accepted by that provider. However, it’s a good idea to contact the provider’s office to make sure they still accept your insurance, then doublecheck by contacting your insurance plan to confirm they’re in network. 

MediFind offers direct scheduling for certain providers using the “Request Appointment” button on that provider’s profile. If the schedule option is not available for a provider, tap the red “Show Phone Number” button on their profile to get their contact information. If you prefer to find providers who offer online scheduling, select “Schedules online” under the “Availability” category of the filter feature on the left side of the Cystic Fibrosis doctor search results page. 

Second opinions are an opportunity to confirm a diagnosis and its root cause, learn about alternative treatment options, or simply gain peace of mind. Many people, especially those with serious diagnoses, get second opinions so they can understand all their options and make informed decisions, so don’t hesitate to get one if you have any doubts or need more information or clarification regarding your care. Note that some insurance plans require second opinions, while others don’t cover second opinions, so be sure to confirm with your insurance provider first.   

Prepare for your appointment by gathering the following items: 

• Copies of medical records (dating back at least one year) 

• Your medical history, including illnesses, medical conditions, surgeries, and other doctors you see 

• Family history of disease 

• List of current prescription drugs, over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal remedies or supplements including names and doses 

• Allergies to medications, food, latex, insects, etc.  

• List of questions and concerns 

• Your insurance card 

You might also contact the provider’s office to see if they offer transportation or childcare services or if you’re allowed to bring a loved one for support or to take notes during your visit. 

Here are some sample questions: 

• Can you explain in simple terms what this condition is and how it’s treated? 

• What symptoms or side effects should I watch for? 

• What tests will be involved, and when can I expect results? 

• Are there other specialists I need to see? 

• What’s the best way to reach you if I have follow-up questions? 

MediFind’s Clinical Trials tool asks you a series of questions to help you narrow down your search by health condition, age, gender, location, how far you’re willing to travel, and more. Each question you answer filters down the number of trials until you find the ones that are most relevant to you. 

MediFind’s Latest Advances tool features summaries of recent articles published in medical journals. We use cutting-edge technology to scour medical publication databases for the latest research advancements on any given condition, then we simplify this information in a way that’s useful and easy to understand. 

Look for the filter feature on the left side of the Cystic Fibrosis doctor search results page. Select “Female” or “Male” under the “Gender” category to search for female or male providers exclusively. If the “Any” option is selected, it will pull results for both male and female providers. 

Look for the filter feature on the left-side of the Cystic Fibrosis doctor search results page. Select “Offers telehealth visits” under the Availability category to search for providers who offer virtual appointments (video calls). 

Reviewed on: 11/11/24  

By: MediFind Medical Staff 

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