BASIC THERAPIES IN CYSTIC-FIBROSIS - DOES STANDARD THERAPY WORK

Epidemiologic data demonstrate a dramatic improvement in survival for cystic fibrosis (CF) over the last few decades and projections suggest that trend will continue. Standard therapy works and should be aggres sively applied to this patient population. Although the specific thera pies have evolved over the years, the basic tenets of CF care remain u nchanged and include antibiotics to control infection, airway clearanc e, and adequate nutrition. This article focuses on treatment of the pu lmonary disease and includes a discussion of the following specific co mponents of a standard therapeutic approach to CF: (1) antibiotics, (2 ) airway clearance and exercise, (3) mucolytics, (4) bronchodilators, (5) oxygen, (6) anti-inflammatory therapies, and (7) nutritional suppo rt. Judicious application of these therapies coupled with careful moni toring of pulmonary, nutritional, and metabolic parameters results in most CF patients surviving into adulthood with an acceptable quality o f life.