Abstract
Educational aims
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To make readers aware of the improved prognosis for patients with CF.
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To recognise that CF is a spectrum of disease.
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To familiarise readers with the management options and the burden of treatment involved.
Summary Cystic fibrosis (CF) was previously considered to be a childhood disease, with very few patients surviving into adulthood. The past few decades have seen major advances in our knowledge and understanding of this disease. As a result, a child born with CF today can expect a much improved life expectancy and quality of life. This article aims to give an overview of the considerable treatment that is involved and discuss some of the emerging problems associated with this improvement in survival.
- ©ERS 2007