Pulmonary, Critical Care, and Sleep Medicine
Pulmonary, Critical Care, and Sleep Medicine
Adult Cystic Fibrosis Program
Overview
Cystic Fibrosis is the commonest genetic disease in the Caucasian population. Cystic fibrosis (CF) is an inherited disease that affects the lungs, digestive system, sweat glands, and male fertility. Its name derives from the fibrous scar tissue that develops in the lung and the pancreas, the principal organs affected by the disease. Cystic fibrosis affects the body's ability to move salt and water in and out of cells. This defect causes the lungs and pancreas to secrete thick mucus, blocking passageways and preventing proper function. The gene that, when defective, causes CF, is called the CFTR gene, which stands for cystic fibrosis transmembrane conductance regulator. CF affects approximately 30,000 children and young adults in the United States. 70% of all people with a defective CFTR gene have the same defect, known as delta-F508. People with CF have a variety of symptoms including: very salty-tasting skin; persistent coughing, at times with phlegm; wheezing or shortness of breath; an excessive appetite but poor weight gain; and greasy, bulky stools.
Location & Clinic Timings
The Adult Cystic Fibrosis Clinic is located in Cardiovascular/Pulmonary Clinic (CVC) which is on the first floor of Shands Hospital.
The clinics are held 1st and 3rd Wednesdays of every month from 1pm to 5 pm.
How to make an Appointment
- New and Return Patient Appointment: Contact 352-265-0457
Medical Professionals
- Dr. Veena B. Antony, M.D. Director Adult CF program
- Palma Schmidt, ARNP
- Wanda Nichols, RN, Adult CF program
- Jessica Goldberg, LCSW
- Edward Hensel, RN
- Jennifer Hillian, Dietician, Adult CF Program