New water flow to manage cystic fibrosis

A new treatment developed by Australian scientists is showing promise for patients with cystic fibrosis. It involves inhaling a sugar substance called mannitol which brings water into their airways.

Dr Peter Le Soeuf, from Perth’s Princess Margaret Hospital, said it was useful for patients with cystic fibrosis because one of the problems they had was very thick secretion in the airways.
“By bringing water into the airway, that helps lubricate the secretions and helps people cough them up,” he said.

Researchers found the group that received the treatment had a 7% increase in their lung function, while the placebo group had no improvement at all. Despite there being a number of well established treatments for cystic fibrosis such as physiotherapy, even with the current treatments, patients could still suffer lung damage.

The medication has been fast-tracked for approval in the United States but further trials are being held before authorities will consider its approval in Australia.