What Are the Treatments for Cystic Fibrosis?
Children with cystic fibrosis are living longer today, largely because of advances in antibiotic treatment and improved nutritional management. Treatment focuses on both the respiratory and digestive components of the disease. Management of Respiratory Problems in CF The focus of respiratory management is prevention of infection. Daily chest physiotherapy (CPT), also known as percussion and postural drainage, helps to loosen lung secretions and stimulate coughing. To perform CPT, the person is put into a position that helps drainage, and then all areas of the lungs are “percussed” by clapping on the person’s back with a cupped hand. Family members can perform CPT on small children, while older children and young adults can learn to do it themselves. CPT is usually performed twice a day, though it may be done more frequently when the person has an active lung infection. New mechanical treatments involving electronically vibrating vests are also being widely used and appear to be superio
