Cystic fibrosis in adolescents and adults.

With improvement in the treatment of children suffering from cystic fibrosis and 
increase in the average survival to about 17 years of age, 
many more patients with this disease are now coming under the 
care of thoracic physicians. In nearly every patient, broncho-pulmonary disease is 
the major problem. Pneumothorax is encountered in about 15% of the 
older patients and some of these occur bilaterally. A few patients 
develop refractory airways obstruction and then a trial of steroids is 
justifiable. Most patients with cystic fibrosis also require treatment for their 
pancreatic insufficiency. Diabetes mellitus is more common in cystic fibrosis than 
in the normal population. Analysis of sweat is essential for diagnosis. 
The psychological stresses imposed upon patients and their families are very 
great. 