Salted Water May Be Answer

Super-strong salt water spray could be used as a cheap and effective treatment for cystic fibrosis, according to experts.

Scientists from the University of North Carolina in the US and the University of Sydney in Australia, decided to see if salt water might replace the missing lubrication people with cystic fibrosis need.

They hoped the extra salt would draw water out of the lung tissue on to the airway, providing a thin layer of liquid to ease mucus out of the lung.

The American team treated a small group of cystic fibrosis patients. They found the spray significantly improved mucus clearance, lung function and breathing symptoms.

Doctors found 41% avoided serious complications ( such as weight loss, coughing up blood or a dangerous infection.

The treatment is now used routinely for adults with cystic fibrosis at the University of California.