Your CF Care Team

An important part of staying healthy is working with your CF care team at your local CF center. It's a good idea to communicate openly and honestly with your team members. Each person involved plays a key role in keeping you healthy for years to come and is an expert who knows what it takes to keep you going and growing. Your team may be composed of some or all of the following people:

• Pulmonologist: You'll visit him or her at least 4 times a year. He or she will help manage your lung medications, request and analyze lab tests, and refer you to other specialists (such as a gastroenterologist) when necessary¹
• Gastroenterologist (GI doctor): Not everyone needs to see a GI doctor. He or she will only become part of your CF care team if required (if you experience gastrointestinal issues or need a G-tube)¹
• Nurse: Your nurse or nurse practitioner works with you, your physician, and the rest of your CF care team. He or she can offer advice regarding treatment routines and medications and can also help answer any questions you may have when your doctor is not available¹
• Registered dietitian/nutritionist: Your dietitian/nutritionist helps develop a nutritional therapy plan to ensure you're getting enough nutrients and calories each day. He or she will closely monitor your growth and may recommend nutritional supplements to help you maintain or reach a healthy weight. In addition, if you have pancreatic insufficiency, your dietitian/nutritionist will adjust your enzyme intake based on your individual needs¹
• Respiratory therapist: Your respiratory therapist works very closely with your pulmonologist. He or she will teach you the best way to complete your chest physical therapy (CPT) and will also teach you alternative breathing techniques. Your respiratory therapist also helps obtain the medical equipment needed to successfully complete your daily CPT routine. During your quarterly visits, you'll review all of your CPT routines¹
• Exercise physiologist: You'll work with your exercise physiologist at least once a year in the testing lab for your annual study. He or she will use tests to understand how your body works when it exercises and will recommend an exercise plan based on the results of your study, your needs, and your body's reaction to exercise. The study involves riding a stationary bicycle under the exercise physiologist's supervision¹
• Social worker: Your social worker is your advocate and can always provide encouragement. He or she will help steer you in the right direction and provide resources as you navigate your way through the healthcare, school, and employment systems¹

The CF Care Team, Infants & Children

The CF Care Team, Teens & Young Adults

The CF Care Team, Adults