Some people prefer to have their intensive antibiotic treatments at home, and this can be arranged in some centres as part of a coordinated community care program. Currently in Australia, most people with cystic fibrosis live into their 30's and 40's, although many individuals live considerably longer. Some, unfortunately, die at an earlier age due to progressive lung infection which ultimately leads to respiratory failure and death. Lung transplantation is a treatment option available for severe lung disease, and CF is one of the most common reasons to undergo this operation. Lung transplantation is still a high-risk procedure which does not guarantee a normal life expectancy.
Cystic fibrosis is one of the best understood human genetic diseases.
Several trials of treatment aimed at correcting the genetic defect in the lungs have been conducted with some success, however, gene therapy which is effective in everyone with CF is still some years away. Treatment directed to the lungs will not correct the other problems associated with the disease such as malabsorption of food, liver problems, diabetes and infertility. Further research into cystic fibrosis is likely to involve a remedy for the basic problem in the mucus producing glands of the body. Meanwhile, improvement in currently available treatments will enable people with CF to live longer and more productive lives. For further information, contact your doctor or the Cystic Fibrosis Association in your State.