Chronic bronchitis and cystic fibrosis: two chronic obstructive lung diseases of adults [editorial].

As patients with cystic fibrosis survive longer, the number of adults with 
this chronic obstructive lung disease is increasing rapidly. Chronic bronchitis and 
cystic fibrosis are similar in a number of respects. The treatment 
of cystic fibrosis and chronic bronchitis has some similarities. But chronic 
bronchitis and cystic fibrosis also differ in many respects. The pathogenesis 
of chronic bronchitis is more clearly related to exogonous factors such 
as smoking and air pollution than is cystic fibrosis, which is 
genetically determined. Clinical differences also exist. Major differences in treatment between 
cystic fibrosis and chronic bronchitis are currently in vogue. Because of 
the special problems of adulthood, it is appropriate that many adult 
patients with cystic fibrosis be cared for by internists who have 
previously focused their attention on chronic bronchitis and emphysema. Increased communication 
between internists and pediatricians on the issue of cystic fibrosis is 
badly needed today. 