Final answer:
Cystic fibrosis treatment includes proactive antibiotics use, drugs to manage symptoms, and pulmonary rehabilitation to maintain lung function. Despite improvements in treatments and increased life expectancy, a lung transplant may be required as the disease progresses.
Step-by-step explanation:
Cystic fibrosis is a genetic disorder that affects the lungs and can lead to serious infections and lung damage. Treatment strategies for cystic fibrosis are primarily aimed at maintaining lung function and managing symptoms. A cornerstone of care is the proactive use of antibiotics to prevent or treat lung infections which are a major cause of disability and mortality in individuals with cystic fibrosis. In addition to antibiotics, other drugs may be prescribed to help fight off infections and manage symptoms. Pulmonary rehabilitation is also an important aspect of treatment, helping to enhance lung function and improve the overall quality of life for patients. Despite the best current treatments, lung damage may nonetheless advance to the point where a lung transplant becomes necessary.
As part of discharge teaching for a guardian of a child with cystic fibrosis, it is crucial to emphasize the importance of medication adherence, monitoring for signs of infection, and the need for ongoing pulmonary care. With advances in treatment, individuals with cystic fibrosis can now live much longer lives than in past generations, often reaching middle adulthood.