Can you be healthy and have a genetic disease that causes mucous to build up in the lungs and the intestines to improperly absorb nutrients? To a certain extent, the answer is yes. Patients with Cystic Fibrosis can take steps to be in charge of their lives and improve daily functioning is by following strict daily regimes of medications and lung exercises that helps to expel the life-threatening mucous that develops as a result of the condition.
Compliance, however, is always an issue. A paper presented at the Pediatric Academic Societies (PAS) meeting in April 2011 reported that treatment adherence improved in children aged 8-18 when their breathing therapies were conducted using digital spirometers that were adapted to act as the “controller” for a video game. For more information, an interview with the study directors is available through Science Daily at http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/04/110430133119.htm.