Medicine

Question

My child (6 years old) has CF. What is the best medicine hor him to get the mucus thinner?

Answer

Thank you for question.
Most CF patients have thick sputum, which is difficult to clear. A medicine
called recombinant human DNase (Pulmozyme) can digest the DNA released into
the sputum by dying bacteria and white blood cells. This DNA makes the
sputum very thick. By digesting it with the DNase, the sputum becomes
thinner and easier to cough up.
It is generally recomended that patients with chronic productive cough,
particularly with moderate to severe lung disease, be tried on a course of
DNase for several months. The decision to treat should be individualized by
CF specialist.
Other mucolytic agents (N-acetylcysteine, nebulyzed hypertonic saline- high
concentration salt water) have been less well studied than the DNAse, but
the data that is present for the use of inhaled hypertonic saline
(concentration 6-7%) allows the conclusion, that in patients with CF the
chronic use is recommended in order to improve lung function and reduce
exacerbations. The data on N-acetylcysteine, however, shows that evidence is
insufficient to recommend for or against the chronic use of oral or inhaled
N-acetylcysteine in CF patients.
So overall, one has to take always the individual situation and tolerance of
the sepcific drug into account before making a decision together with your
doctor in charge about the best therapy for your child.

Regards,
Sigitas Dumcius

16.02.2009