Treatment Options For Cystic Fibrosis

Pulmonary Rehabilitation

Pulmonary rehabilitation is a method of helping individuals cope with all types of chronic lung disease. It offers individualized treatment plans to help improve lung function. It also aims to reduce symptoms and improve the overall quality of life. Pulmonary rehabilitation is a team effort. A treatment plan will be developed, directed, and administered by a variety of healthcare professionals, including doctors, respiratory therapists, exercise professionals, dietitians, and nurses. Treatment sessions are usually conducted on an outpatient basis, perhaps at a clinic attached to a hospital. There will be exercises and procedures that the patient will also do at home. Pulmonary rehabilitation combines education and exercise to help the patient better cope with their disease. The patient learns how to exercise the lungs and muscles with diminished shortness of breath. As the body strengthens, the patient typically feels better and more in control of their condition. Pulmonary rehabilitation also offers a wonderful chance for camaraderie and peer support with others also living with cystic fibrosis.

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Chest Physical Therapy

Manual chest physical therapy is also called CPT. The goal of CPT is to loosen and dislodge thick mucus that has collected in the airways. If not removed, this mucus will contribute to lung infections and obstructed breathing. There are two kinds of chest physical therapy: one is called postural drainage, and the other is known as percussion. Postural drainage, as the name suggests, involves using gravity to help clear mucus. For example, the patient may place a pillow in front of their chest while they are sitting, lean their head over their chest, and hug the pillow. This places the head a bit lower than the lungs, helping drain sticky fluids that have accumulated there. Percussion involves using a cupped hand to tap on various areas of the chest, back, and sides. Chest physical therapy requires some training, but a professional isn't required. The patient may need to forcefully cough during chest physical therapy to help expel mucus. CPT should be performed at least once daily for all cystic fibrosis patients, regardless of symptoms.

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