Aerosol therapy is one of the mainstays of treatment, together with re
gular physiotherapy, in patients with cystic fibrosis. Inhalation can
contribute to hydration of the epithelial lining fluid as well as deli
vering different drugs directly to lungs. Topically administered antib
iotics can protect the lungs from Pseudomonas infection, recombinant D
Nase, amiloride and beta-agonists can have a positive effect on the mu
cociliary clearance, and steroid inhalations can reduce inflammation.
Therefore, all these drugs are part of a comprehensive treatment strat
egy contributing to improvement in lung function and quality of life.
Gene therapy and pharmacological correction of the chloride channel de
fect are perspectives for the future. Aerosol therapy, however, is som
ewhat cumbersome and requires strict patient education.