Aerosol therapy in patients with cystic fibrosis.
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.
Schöni
M H
MH
Alpine Children's Hospital, Davos.
Nikolaizik
W H
WH
D000287:Administration, Topical; D000318:Adrenergic beta-Agonists / Q000008:administration & dosage; D000336:Aerosols; D000900:Anti-Bacterial Agents / Q000008:administration & dosage; D000893:Anti-Inflammatory Agents / Q000008:administration & dosage; D001993:Bronchodilator Agents / Q000008:administration & dosage; D002648:Child; D003550:Cystic Fibrosis / Q000503:physiopathology / Q000628:therapy*; D003851:Deoxyribonucleases / Q000008:administration & dosage; D005938:Glucocorticoids; D006801:Humans; D009079:Mucociliary Clearance / Q000187:drug effects; D011994:Recombinant Proteins / Q000008:administration & dosage; D012138:Respiratory Therapy / Q000379:methods*
D000318:Adrenergic beta-Agonists; D000336:Aerosols; D000900:Anti-Bacterial Agents; D000893:Anti-Inflammatory Agents; D001993:Bronchodilator Agents; D005938:Glucocorticoids; D011994:Recombinant Proteins; D003851:Deoxyribonucleases