Diploma Thesis THE IMMEDIATE INFLUENCE OF OSTEOPATHIC ...

2.3 THERAPY OF CF
Since CF affects many organs the therapy has to be multifaceted as well.
There are specialized treatment centres for cystic fibrosis in Austria, because the
disease requires treatment and control on many levels. In the annex you can find a
list and the contact information of the most important institutions in Austria.
The treatment of the lung in CF is mostly focused on mobilizing viscous secretions,
reducing the obstruction of the respiratory pathways and controlling infections and
inflammation of the respiratory tract. An improvement of the mucociliary clearance
can be achieved through sports (horse riding, trampoline jumping, running, dancing,
etc.), physiotherapy measures and medication. Since many years better breathing
techniques and new technical breathing aids (autogenic drainage 43 , “flutter“, PEP
mask) have played a major role in the treatment of CF 44 .
Inhalation of specific medications and hypertonic saline solution is applied to reduce
the viscoelasticity of the sputum 45 .
Currently genetically engineered preparations for inhalation are tested and seem to
be successful to some extent. However, they are not available yet. 46 .
In the case of bacterial infections antibiotics have contributed considerably to
improving the life expectancy. 6-25% of all CF patients also have to take medications
against fungal infections of the lung 47 .
In the case of “end-stage” CF lungs, i.e. where the pulmonary function has dropped
below 30% of the normal value, lung transplantations are performed more and more
often.
43 Chevaillier J. et al., 1987, p.573-575
44 Reinhardt et al., 2001, p.310-325
45 Eichler et al., 2004, p.3
46 Limberis MP et al., 2006; p.12993-8
47 Almeida MB. et al., 2005, p.67-72
Diploma Thesis Sabine Neuhaus page 25 of 52