title: Update on treatment of pulmonary exacerbations in cystic fibrosis.
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  This review will define pulmonary exacerbations in cystic fibrosis and explain their importance in the pathophysiology and progression of this condition. I will stress the importance of prevention, where this is possible, and prompt treatment, where prevention has failed. The management of chronic pulmonary infection with Pseudomonas aeruginosa will be discussed, together with other, less tenacious organisms.
  
  
  RESULTS
  Developments in the treatment of chronic pulmonary infection with P. aeruginosa include new data on antibiotic selection through sensitivity testing and alternative antibiotic dosing regimens. Therapies which target the P. aeruginosa biofilm will be discussed, including those which are currently in use (such as azithromycin) as well as those being evaluated in preclinical studies. Supportive care and the role of noninvasive ventilation are discussed.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  The prevention and prompt treatment of pulmonary exacerbations is a central component of cystic fibrosis care.
authors.affiliation: Division of Respiratory Medicine, Nottingham City Hospital, Nottingham, UK. alan.smyth@nottingham.ac.uk
authors.forename: Alan
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Smyth
mesh_terms: D000900:Anti-Bacterial Agents / Q000627:therapeutic use; D001424:Bacterial Infections / Q000150:complications / Q000188:drug therapy / Q000209:etiology / Q000517:prevention & control; D003550:Cystic Fibrosis / Q000150:complications*; D006801:Humans; D008171:Lung Diseases / Q000382:microbiology* / Q000503:physiopathology* / Q000517:prevention & control; D011552:Pseudomonas Infections / Q000150:complications* / Q000188:drug therapy* / Q000209:etiology / Q000517:prevention & control; D011550:Pseudomonas aeruginosa; D012720:Severity of Illness Index
chemical_list: D000900:Anti-Bacterial Agents