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Fighting Pseudomonas aeruginosa
Early detection of Pseudomonas aeruginosa is the first step in fighting it. If you have already been infected, treatments are available to help you fight back. Inhaled antibiotics are most often used for people with cystic fibrosis (CF) and Pseudomonas aeruginosa.
Quick takeaways
- Medications for Pseudomonas aeruginosa are different from medications for CF
- Staying on treatment is important
- Starting treatment at the first sign of infection could make a difference
Not all CF medications have the same goal
As someone living with CF, you’re likely to be prescribed many different medications. It’s important to remember that each one serves a different purpose. There are medications prescribed for CF and there are medications prescribed for Pseudomonas aeruginosa. That's because they are two different diseases. 
Pseudomonas aeruginosa can arise as a result of CF, but it's important to know that they are different.
Here are the most common CF medication goals:
- Preventing and controlling infections in the lungs
- Removing and loosening mucus from the lungs
- Helping defective proteins work properly
- Treating and preventing intestinal blockage
- Providing proper nutrition
Staying the course
If you’ve been prescribed a medication to treat a Pseudomonas aeruginosa infection, you might feel better early in the course of treatment. However, it’s important to stay on all medications your doctor has prescribed. Talk to your doctor before making any changes to your treatment plan.
Did you know?
A single Pseudomonas aeruginosa infection could cause damage to the lungs.
“I’m feeling better with my other CF treatments, so why do I need to take my treatment for Pseudomonas aeruginosa?”
Taking your medication exactly as directed by your doctor is important.
Here’s what could happen if you skip doses or don’t complete the full course of therapy:
- The effectiveness of the treatment could decrease
- The likelihood that bacteria will develop resistance could increase
- This means the infection may not be able to be treated by any antibacterial drugs in the future
Tips for staying on treatment
Keep a routine
In one study of doctors and people with CF and their families, electronic questionnaires were promoted online, completed, and analyzed to identify common themes impacting adherence. Having a routine was the most frequently used strategy for staying on treatment.
Get support
Having support from different sources is important for managing life with CF. These can include positive support from your CF care team and doctors, mental health support, and peer and family support.
Set short-term goals
For long-term victories, set short-term goals. Like many things in life, taking it day by day can help with feeling overwhelmed.
Use technology to your advantage
Using timers or apps can remind you when to take treatments, and tools like smartwatches and journals can help with tracking how you’re feeling.
