How is it treated and managed?
Lungs and respiratory system
“The presence of pathogenic organisms in the lower respiratory tract sets up a vicious cycle of infection, inflammation and lung damage which leads to bronchiectasis and ultimately respiratory failure and death. Early treatment of infection is crucial in delaying or halting the cycle” (CF Trust 2009)
The first part of this section describes typical treatment that all children will require in relation to their lungs. It covers twice daily physiotherapy, nebulised treatments, management of exacerbations due to frequent colds experienced throughout childhood. Physiotherapy with or without nebulisers is the least care a child with uncomplicated cystic fibrosis and without pancreatic insufficiency will require. Most children have pancreatic insufficiency as well as their chest disease.
The second part covers the treatment of various additional lung related problems a child may develop as their lung damage progresses such as colonisation of sputum with specific bacteria and the treatment required for these. Children with cystic fibrosis may have asthma or additional problems with their lungs termed ‘small airways disease’. The treatments for these problems will be in addition to routine chest care described in the first section and may add significantly to the time taken for chest treatments every day.
