[Cystic fibrosis--an ancient disease with renewed topicality. History and clinical practice]

Cystic fibrosis (CF) is a general exocrinopathy chiefly characterised by airway and nutritional symptoms, though several other organ systems may also be affected. Intensive collaboration between clinicians and research scientists has enabled great advances to be made in our understanding and treatment of the disease. New mucolytic treatment, new approaches to combating infections, and improvements in nutrition have already appeared. Just around the corner await gene therapy and new drugs impinging directly on the mechanisms whereby the gene mutations exert their harmful effects. The median life expectancy of CF patients is now over 40 years. CF is currently the concern of multiple disciplines.