treatment of cystic fibrosis exacerbation

  • obtain CF sputum culture
  • start antibiotics based on previous culture
    • resistant organism does not mean cannot use that antibiotic
    • reserve cipro for outpatient treatment
    • total 14 to 21 days therapy if serious disease
  • obtain FEV1 on day 1 and day 7 and adjust antibiotic timing based off of result
  • vest therapy: 6 times per day
  • order of respiratory therapy:
    • start with albuterol to open up the airway
    • next use hypertonic saline and pulmozyme/dornase alpha to break up thick secretions
    • then use vest therapy
    • last give inhaelers (ICS/LABA)