ABSTRACT

Most patients with CF live at home and incorporate a variety of treatments into their daily lives. Family members are most often the primary caregivers, and they interact with providers from multiple disciplines

50 as episodic care is needed (Reed, 1990; Sawyer, 1992; Tracy, 1997). Treatment generally focuses on control of symptoms using regimens of physiotherapy to loosen secretions, medications to prevent and cure infections, and enzymes as nutritional supplements for

55 support of gastrointestinal functioning (Fiel, 1993; Hopkins, 1995). New approaches to treatment are being developed, but until a cure is achieved, pulmonary infection and inflammation that lead to respiratory failure and premature death remain the focus of therapy.