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Kanchi Kamakoti CHILDS Trust Hospital in Chennai, has launched a dedicated multi-disciplinary clinic for cystic fibrosis, in order to bring together diagnosis, treatment and long-term management for children under one roof.

Explaining the challenges involved with cystic fibrosis, which is a genetic disorder that causes thick mucus to build up in the body and affect multiple organs, Janani Sankar, medical director, KKCTH, at a press meet on Thursday said children presented with different symptoms, including recurrent lung infections, oily stools, and inadequate weight gain, which often led to difficulties in early diagnosis.

Having to go to multiple specialists at different centres also took a physical, emotional, and financial toll on families, she said.

Bala Ramachandran, head of paediatric intensive care, noted that cystic fibrosis was estimated to be present in 1 in 10,000 live births in India and that many more children were likely living with it undiagnosed.

He explained that the condition not only affected the lungs, but could also cause nutritional deficiencies, diabetes, and other complications.

Stressing that early diagnosis was key to preserve lung function, he said paediatric interventional pulmonology, endocrinology, as well as gastrointestinal, nutritional and psychological care were required, and that the best outcomes were seen when all services were in one place, making treatment compliance easier for patients and families.

V.V. Vivekananad, consultant pulmonologist, said the hospital was now offering advances paediatric interventional pulmonology services, including endobronchial ultrasounds and bronchoscopic cryotherapy services. These interventions allowed for children to avoid invasive surgeries and quickened their recovery times, he said.

The clinic will function on the second Saturday of every month.

The hospital is also conducting a continuing medical education programme on July 19, bringing together paediatricians and specialists to discuss recent advances in diagnosis and management, to build awareness, and promote early diagnosis.

Published - July 17, 2026 12:44 am IST