Could Trikafta® Help with Cystic Fibrosis Sinusitis?

May 27, 2022

Did you know that cystic fibrosis (CF) is the most common lethal inherited disease in the Caucasian population, occurring in 1 in 20 newborns? Most patients benefit from medical therapies like hypertonic saline, intravenous and topical/nebulized antibiotics, and pancreatic enzymes. These therapies have helped alleviate the symptoms of this condition and extend the expected life spans of CF patients.

 

While currently, there is no one cure for CF, research efforts to find solutions to ease symptoms are ongoing. In 2019, the FDA approved Trikafta®, the first triple combination therapy available to treat patients with the most common cystic fibrosis mutation.

 

Want to know more about Trikafta® and how it can help you? Keep reading!


What Is Cystic Fibrosis Sinusitis?


Cystic Fibrosis, also called CF, is an inherited disease affecting various parts of your body, including the sinuses, lungs, and the digestive tract. It’s caused by mutations in the CF transmembrane conductance regulator gene (CFTR), which results in impaired ion transport.

 

Your sinuses have glands that produce mucus, and it’s essential for the mucus to be kept hydrated. However, cystic fibrosis sinusitis hinders your body from producing the protein that keeps the mucus hydrated. Thick and sticky mucus can be hard to clear, resulting in inflammation and infection in your sinuses.

 

Nearly all people with CF develop chronic rhino-sinusitis (CRS), and your symptoms can worsen CF-related lung disease.


What Are the Symptoms of Cystic Fibrosis Sinusitis?


While some people with CF can be asymptomatic, here are some of the commonly observed symptoms of CF:

 

●    Anosmia or loss of smell

●    Headache

●    Facial pain or pressure

●    Nasal obstruction or chronic congestion

●    Nasal discharge

●    Severe bad breath

●    Nasal polyps


What Is TRIKAFTA®? How Can it Help?


Trikafta® is a prescription medicine used to treat cystic fibrosis (CF) in patients aged six years or older. Consider this treatment if you have the F508del mutation in the cystic fibrosis transmembrane conductance regulator gene (CFTR).
 
Trikafta® is a combination of three drugs (elexacaftor/ivacaftor/tezacaftor) that target the defective CFTR protein. It improves the functioning of the protein made by the CFTR gene mutation. Talk to a trusted healthcare expert about Trikafta® to learn if you could benefit from this treatment.


Precautions to Follow

Bear the following in mind if you’re considering Trikafta® as a potential treatment to treat your cystic fibrosis sinusitis.

 

●    If you’re breastfeeding, pregnant, or planning to get pregnant in the near future, note that we don’t know if the treatment could harm an unborn baby or if the drug can pass into your breast milk. Talk to a trusted professional before you decide to undergo this treatment plan.

●    Don’t take Trikafta® if you take antibiotics such as rifampin (RIFAMATE®, RIFATER®) or rifabutin (MYCOBUTIN®). Also, don’t consider it if you consume seizure medicines such as phenobarbital, carbamazepine (TEGRETOL®, CARBATROL®, EQUETRO®), or phenytoin (DILANTIN®, PHENYTEK®).

 

 

If you need help with cystic fibrosis sinusitis, talk to an experienced sinus specialist (Rhinologist) in Louisville, KY, and Jeffersonville, IN. Call or message us today to see Dr. Thomas S. Higgins, MD, MSPH. He specializes in cystic fibrosis nose and sinus conditions, so you can know you are receiving the best course of treatment.



Thomas S. Higgins, MD, MSPH

Father. Husband. Sinusitis Nerd.



A man stopping nosebleed.

How Can I Stop a Nosebleed Quickly?

March 25, 2025
A nosebleed, or epistaxis, refers to blood loss from the delicate tissue lining the nose. Although both nostrils may bleed, typically only one is affected. Nosebleeds are very common, affecting about 60 percent of people at least once in their lifetime. While bleeding from your nose can be alarming or embarrassing, it doesn’t always signal a serious problem. However, nosebleeds that start deeper in the nose or sinuses are more difficult to stop.
A woman with sinus infection.

What Happens if You Let a Sinus Infection Go Untreated?

February 21, 2025
Are you wondering what to do about your sinus infection? Should you have it treated or try to let it clear up on its own? Knowing what can cause these infections and when to seek care is important. Leaving a sinus infection or sinusitis alone may not be the best — or safest — option for you. These infections can lead to other problems in some cases if they’re not treated. We’ll explore what might happen if you delay or even skip treatment for sinusitis.
A diagram of a person 's nose and throat showing nasal polyps

What Are Nasal Polyps?

August 14, 2024
Nasal polyps are soft, noncancerous growths that develop on the lining of the nasal passages or sinuses. They can vary in size and may occur individually or in clusters. While they are usually painless, they can lead to various symptoms and complications. The exact cause of nasal polyps is not fully understood, but they are associated with chronic inflammation in the nasal passages. S
A woman is sitting on a couch holding her nose because she has a sinus headache.

How Will My Surgeon Fix My Chronic Infected Sinuses?

June 7, 2024
Wondering how surgeons tackle chronic infected sinuses? From endoscopic sinus surgery to balloon sinuplasty, they have a range of techniques to alleviate symptoms and improve sinus health. Curious about the process? Let's delve into how these skilled professionals work their magic to bring relief and better breathing!
A woman suffering from a headache is sitting on a couch with her hand on her forehead.

How to Get Rid of a Headache

May 10, 2024
Headaches are a common ailment that can disrupt our daily routines and cause discomfort. Whether it's a tension headache from stress or a migraine triggering intense pain, finding relief is essential. Read on to learn more about headaches and some effective strategies to help you get rid of it.
A young woman suffering from Sinus Infection

Is a Sinusitis Infection Contagious?

By Thomas Higgins • March 18, 2024
Sinus infections (sinusitis) are common and may occur as a primary infection or due to an underlying condition. When a “sinus infection affects someone,” the common question coming from their friends and family is: "Is sinusitis contagious?” It depends on how your infection started.
A woman with red hair is blowing her nose while holding a thermometer and pills.

Is It Better to Take an Oral Decongestant or a Spray for Sinusitis?

By Thomas Higgins • February 10, 2024
When trying to find relief for nasal congestion related to sinusitis, two main types of decongestants are available: oral and nasal spray. But which one is better for you?
A woman with nasal congestion spraying decongestant medication

What Causes Nasal Congestion?

By Thomas Higgins • January 28, 2024
Nasal congestion is a common complaint among people of all ages and can significantly impact quality of life. The symptom can stem from a several causes, including anatomic and inflammatory issues of different areas of the nose. Here, I will discuss more about nasal congestion and how it's treated.

How to Get Rid of a Sinus Headache: Insights from a Sinus Doctor

By Thomas Higgins • December 24, 2023
Learn about sinus headaches from a sinus doctor (rhinologist). Dr. Thomas Higgins sheds light on the common confusion between sinus headaches and sinusitis and how he guides patients through the often-misunderstood journey of pinpointing the true source of their pain and navigating towards effective relief.
Senior man suffering from cold or allergy blows nose snot into a napkin at home

When to See a Rhinologist | A Sinus ENT Specialist

By Thomas Higgins • December 22, 2023
Are you struggling with sinus issues and think you would benefit from seeing a sinus specialist or rhinologist in Louisville, KY? Below is a detailed guide on if a rhinologist is right for you.
More Posts
Share by: