Aerosol therapy in patients with cystic fibrosis
Schöni, M.H.; Nikolaizik, W.H.
Schweizerische Medizinische Wochenschrift 127(5): 158-164
1997
ISSN/ISBN: 0036-7672 PMID: 9042684 Document Number: 472438
Aerosol therapy is one of the mainstays of treatment, together with regular physiotherapy, in patients with cystic fibrosis. Inhalation can contribute to hydration of the epithelial lining fluid as well as delivering different drugs directly to the lungs. Topically administered antibiotics can protect the lungs from Pseudomonas infection, recombinant DNase, amiloride and beta-agonists can have a positive effect on the mucociliary clearance, and steroid inhalations can reduce inflammation. Therefore, all these drugs are part of a comprehensive treatment strategy contributing to improvement in lung function and quality of life. Gene therapy and pharmacological correction of the chloride channel defect are perspectives for the future. Aerosol therapy, however, is somewhat cumbersome and requires strict patient education.