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There are many aspects to the treatment of people with cystic fibrosis. Treatment involves the input, advice, and expertise of various professionals such as child health doctors, specialist nurses, physiotherapists, dieticians, etc. It is usual to have regular checks and tests to monitor the condition and to keep a check on children's growth, development and well-being.

The following list is a brief overview of the commonly used treatments, but is not a full or exhaustive account of all the treatments used. An individual treatment plan is needed for each case to take into account individual circumstances.

Treatments for lung problems

Physiotherapy and exercise

Regular chest physiotherapy is very important. This helps to clear the airways of the thick mucus. A physiotherapist usually shows parents how to do this for their children. It involves a special way to firmly pat the chest whilst the child lies head-down to encourage mucus and sputum to be coughed out. Twice daily chest physiotherapy is common practice. This may need to be increased during times of chest infections. It is also important to encourage children to exercise and to be as active and fit as possible. So, sports and games are encouraged.

Antibiotics and antifungals

Courses of antibiotics are a mainstay of treatment. Many children with cystic fibrosis take regular long-term antibiotics. The dose is increased and/or other types of antibiotics are given when a chest infection develops. Various bacteria can cause infections and the antibiotics chosen depend on which bacteria are found in samples of sputum. Antibiotics given intravenously (into a vein) are often required for severe infections that are not controlled with antibiotic tablets.

A bacterium called pseudomonas aeruginosa commonly persists in the thick mucus in the airways. To keep this from flaring up into repeated infections, an antibiotic given by nebuliser (inhaled antibiotic) is a common treatment.

Sometimes the lungs become infected with a fungus and antifungal medication is required.

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