Treatment

Though there is no cure for Cystic Fibrosis, there are many therapeutic measures that have been shown to relieve symptoms.

Antibiotics can be used to fight respiratory infections, which are common in CF patients. Many CF patients take one or more antibiotics even when they are not suffering from a current infection, to prevent new infections from developing.  This use of antibiotics is termed prophylaxis, because it is a preventative measure.  Prophylactic use of antibiotics can be effective in preventing respiratory infections, but with overuse, some bacteria may develop a resistance to antibiotics and can be difficult to treat.  It is important to monitor antibiotic levels in the blood and find a balance between effectiveness and antibiotic sensitivity.

As discussed earlier, a primary symptom of Cystic Fibrosis is excess mucus production in the respiratory tract.  There are several mechanisms to loosen this mucus accumulation so that it may be expelled.  The simplest of these mechanism is called chest physiotherapy (CPT), in which caregivers use their hands to percuss the patient's chest and back, loosening secretions for expulsion several times each day.  Several portable machines have been developed to recreate this mechanism, including vests and ventilators, so that patients can undergo treatments at home, school, or work.  Inhaled medications and steroids are also useful in loosening secretions.  A BiPAP machine can be used to promote respiratory function during sleep.  The BiPAP uses positive pressure to push air into the lungs.  If respiratory function decreases to severe condition, a double lung transplant may be indicated.  This intervention involves many risks including bleeding, infection, anesthesia complications, rejection of the transplanted organ, and even death.

Other surgical interventions may be indicated to alleviate intestinal obstruction or nasal/sinus congestion.  Digestive enzyme supplements can be administered to improve pancreatic function and Vitamin D and calcium supplements can be taken to prevent osteoporosis.  The development and improvement of these treatments over the past decades have played an integral role in extending the average lifespan and improving quality of life for people with Cystic Fibrosis.

Source: Cystic Fibrosis Foundation and Uptodate.com