How are lung problems prevented and treated in individuals with CF?
Children and adults with CF need close medical supervision throughout their lives. Many individuals with CF need daily respiratory therapy. This is done at home at least once and sometimes four or more times a day (1). There are a number of airway clearance techniques that can help loosen and clear mucus from the lungs. For example: • Parents or other caretakers clap the child on the back and chest with their hand or with an electric chest clapper. • The person with CF uses an inflatable vest that vibrates or a flutter, a handheld device that vibrates the airways as the person exhales. Then the individual coughs or huffs (an active form of exhaling) to clear the mucus. The individuals health care team can recommend the most effective approach. A number of medications can help individuals with CF breathe better and prevent infections. Some come in a mist form that the individual inhales into the lungs. The provider recommends different medications depending on the persons symptoms and h
