Rhonchi

South Bend Tribune: Surfers inspire new cystic fibrosis treatment

Hypertonic saline treatment was inspired by some surfers in Australia who, like Devon, also have CF.

They told their doctors that what made them feel especially good was a day on the ocean waves.

Researchers down under and also at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill put the surfers’ tale to the test.

With backing from the U.S. Cystic Fibrosis Foundation, they had a group of CF patients inhale 7 percent saline solution twice daily for a year while a control group inhaled normal saline.

Those receiving salty mist had improved lung function and, more importantly, fewer serious lung infections requiring hospitalization.