A range of other problems that are related to cystic fibrosis may develop in some cases and require treatment. For example:

• Salt depletion may occur in hot weather and may require salt supplements.
• Liver problems develop in some cases and may require specialist liver treatments.
• If diabetes develops it usually requires insulin treatment.
• Nasal polyps sometimes develop and can be treated with steroid nasal drops and sprays.
• Acid reflux from the stomach into the gullet (oesophagus) is common and can be treated with medicines which reduce the acid content of the stomach juices.
• Constipation is quite common and may require regular laxatives.
• All people with cystic fibrosis should be up to date with routine immunisations, and also have an annual 'flu jab' to prevent influenza.

Newer treatments are being researched and developed and if found successful may become more widely used in the future. For example:

• A lung transplant has been used in some cases and may become more common.
• Gene therapy. This involves using an inhaled spray to deliver normal copies of the cystic fibrosis gene to the lungs.
• Drugs are being tested which may correct the abnormal salt and water regulation of cells that leads to thickened mucus and secretions being made in the lungs and other organs.

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