There is no cure for cystic fibrosis. The aims of treatment are to decrease the severity of the symptoms and prevent the development of complications. Treatment is carried out in major centres which have the expertise of a multi-disciplinary team to produce the best outcome. Key treatment aims are to maintain a healthy weight gain in children and to minimise the severity of chest infections. Treatment begins in infancy to clear the lung secretions by means of daily physiotherapy and exercise.
Treatment needs to be continued for life to limit lung damage and infection.
Many people growing up with CF develop an interest in sport and fitness, as exercise is one of the best ways to keep their lungs as free of secretions as possible. The treatment program is time-consuming and is likely to increase the amount of time a person with CF has to engage in other activities such as school, work or recreation. For children and young people with CF, the involvement and support of their families is essential to establishing a treatment program. When the infection in the lungs becomes severe, people with CF are often admitted to hospital for care which includes high dose intravenous antibiotics, physiotherapy and inhalation therapies. Most people who need admission to hospital require about 10-14 days of treatment for each infection.