Cystic Fibrosis Center: Adult
As early diagnosis and improved treatment continues to positively impact children diagnosed with Cystic Fibrosis, more and more will live well into adulthood. The Cystic Fibrosis Center at the University of Michigan Health System was created to transition young people living with cystic fibrosis from the pediatric medical environment and into one focused on young adulthood and beyond.
Other Initiatives
For physical therapy in the Adult Outpatient Pulmonary Clinic, an annual evaluation is performed on all patients with cystic fibrosis. This evaluation reviews chest physiotherapy and exercises. The treatment is tailored to individual needs and life style.
The evaluation includes but is not limited to: history taking of past hospital admission, IV antibiotics, past and present FEV1%, notation of cough quality, color, amount and consistency, respiratory pattern, use of supplemental oxygen, oxygen saturation and auscultation of lungs. Further assessment includes current breathing treatment, previous pulmonary hygiene which may or may not include devices such as therapy vest, Acapella, flutter, cornet, autogenic breathing, active cycle of breathing and exercises.
Upon completion of the physical therapy evaluation, each patient is given an individualized home program to meet their current pulmonary hygiene needs. This may include a revision of their current home program and instruction in use of a device, breathing techniques and exercise for airway clearance. Patient's get a chance to practice the techniques with their physical therapist and may be issued an assistive device for airway clearance. Sequencing of their breathing treatment, airway clearance and exercises are made clear to every patient in this visit.
