For most people, breathing is just something you do without worrying or thinking about it, and it's usually not a struggle unless you've been exercising. Yet for patients with the lung disease cystic fibrosis, the build-up of mucous in the lungs makes breathing nearly a constant struggle. Now, a new study may help make breathing easier for CF patients. Chip Hawkins dreams about adventure, travel, and seeing exotic places. However Chip's travels require more baggage than most.
Chip has cystic fibrosis, a disorder that makes breathing a struggle at times.
Pulmonary researcher Beth Laube, Ph.D., is experimenting with inhalers called nebulizers, trying to find a more effective, efficient way of delivering treatment deep into the lungs of CF patients. Her work with patients showed that varying the rate of inhalation and using a fine particle mist can better direct the medication to certain parts of the lungs. This paves the way for a more precise delivery system. I think its gonna help contribute to their daily lives being more normal, more like other people. And with his load a little lighter, Chip can breathe a sigh of relief.