Bronchodilator therapy in cystic fibrosis: for better or worse?

As one approach to the management of the respiratory manifestations of cystic fibrosis, bronchodilators have been used to try to alleviate symptomatology. Several bronchodilators have been tested with varying degrees of success depending on the parameters measured, the method of patient selection for trials and the time of the study. In some instances the use of bronchodilators has proven detrimental to lung function. In general, it appears that bronchodilator therapy may be beneficial or hazardous and must be evaluated on an individual patient basis. Repeated assessments of respiratory function are necessary and the patient's management must be frequently re-evaluated.