Treatment of upper airway diseases in patients with cystic fibrosis
Chronic rhinosinusitis with nasal polyps (CRS NP) is the most prevalent ear, nose, and throat (ENT) disorder in cystic fibrosis (CF) patients. CRS NP can occur in CF children at the age of > 8 months and becomes the chronic disease. Tenacious secret and bacterial infection cause obstruction, edema and hypoxia of paranasal sinuses and contribute to significant morbidity in CF patients. The active monitoring and treatment of CRS NP aimed at improvement of the aeration of paranasal sinuses, mucociliary clearance, and the control of chronic upper airway infection are necessary. Functional Endoscopic Sinus Surgery (FESS) may be the method of choice if surgical treatment is considered. FESS facilitates paranasal sinuses drainage. Due to recurrent course of CRS NP in most CF patients, lifelong follow-up by an ENT specialist and postoperative management using topical steroids and/or antibiotics are required.