How inflammation and infection change during cystic fibrosis flare-ups

This study wants to better understand what happens in your lungs during a cystic fibrosis flare-up (called an exacerbation) — specifically, how inflammation and infection change during treatment. Researchers will collect blood, sputum, and urine samples, plus lung function tests, during both stable periods and when you're admitted to hospital for treatment of a flare-up. The goal is to learn how standard antibiotic treatment works and what signs predict who will have more flare-ups.

Cystic fibrosis flare-ups are serious and can damage your lungs over time, but doctors don't fully understand what happens inside your airways during these episodes or how to predict who will have the most trouble. Better understanding could lead to better treatments and ways to prevent future flare-ups.