AEROSOL THERAPY IN PATIENTS WITH CYSTIC-FIBROSIS

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.