Adult cystic fibrosis: a new therapeutic challenge for the primary care physician.

In this article, we will examine the reasons for the prolonged survival 
of individuals with cystic fibrosis as well as discuss the pathogenesis, 
diagnosis and treatment of this multisystemic disease. The reasons for the 
improved prognosis in CF are multiple: improved antibiotic therapy, early diagnosis, 
specialized care centers, and aggressive treatment regimens. This presents the primary 
care physician with a new and challenging patient population, requiring the 
coordinated effort of the health care team, including specialists, nurses, therapists, 
etc., to achieve effective therapy for this truly multisystemic disease. 