There’s currently no cure for cystic fibrosis, but the good news is that the outlook for patients suffering from this illness has generally improved compared to several decades ago. This is mainly due to treatment methods that can help:

Loosen and remove mucus from the lungs
Prevent and control lung infections
Alleviate blockages in the intestines
Prevent dehydration
Adequately nourish the body

A combination of treatments that include airway clearance techniques, a wholesome diet and herbal remedies may be necessary to control the effects brought on by cystic fibrosis.

1. Conventional Medications for Cystic Fibrosis
Many doctors usually prescribe antibiotics, anti-inflammatories and bronchodilators to clear mucus from a person’s lungs.2 However, make sure to be aware of the potential effects that these medications may have on your health. For example, antibiotics, which are given to CF patients who have lung infections, not only contribute to the spread of antibiotic-resistant bacteria,3 but can also severely hamper your gut health and cause even more damaging health problems. However, if there’s no other choice but to take antibiotics, make sure that you consume probiotics as well, either before or after taking the medications, to maintain an optimal ratio of gut bacteria.

2. Airway Clearance Techniques (ACTs)
These are specialized techniques that aim to keep the airways and lungs clear of mucus. A physiotherapist can help assist you in performing these correctly. The two most basic airway clearance techniques are coughing and huffing. Coughing can effectively expel mucus from larger airways but not from the smaller ones. For this reason, coughing and huffing is done with other ACTs. Make sure that when coughing, you cover your mouth with a tissue to avoid spreading germs. Coughing in your inner elbow may be a good option if you don’t have a tissue. Wash your hands properly after doing this. 

3. Chest Physical Therapy (CPT)
Known as chest clapping or percussion, this technique involves pounding your chest and back with your hands to loosen mucus in your lungs. Do this while sitting down or lying on your stomach with your head down, to better drain the mucus. CPT can be uncomfortable, though, so some people use devices like an electric chest clapper, inflatable therapy vest and other devices that cause vibrations to help better loosen the mucus. Aerobic exercises that cause you to breathe harder are said to help loosen mucus in your airways, so you can easily expel it. This may also allow you to cut back on CPT sessions. However, remember that you expel higher amounts of salt when you sweat, so make sure to keep the salt levels in your blood at optimal levels. Check with your physician first before doing aerobic exercises. 

4. Proper Nutrition Is Important for Cystic Fibrosis Patients
Those who suffer from this illness must get the ample amount of nutrition so they can develop normally and avoid frequently becoming sick. But most people with cystic fibrosis find it difficult to digest foods and absorb their nutrients; in addition, the pancreas becomes damaged over time, which leads to the same problem. Hence, CF patients must take digestive enzymes with every meal. This assists in ensuring proper digestion. The amount of capsules to be taken depends on the food being ingested.8 Patients also need foods that are high in energy and are rich in protein and healthy fats. This will help compensate for the wasted amounts, since their food is not fully digested.