Exploratory comparative evaluation of exhaled breath composition in cystic fibrosis patients with age and gender-matched healthy adults in order to identify a disease-specific exhaled breath pattern as well as to gain insight into pathophysiological and microbial contributions to exhaled breath composition.

Although there is some evidence that breath composition reflects aspects of CF pathology, so far a disease-specific molecular breath profile has not been identified. Real-time, whole breath analysis incorporating all of the thousands of potentially relevant volatile compounds is needed in order to identify reliable CF-specific breath patterns. These may be used in future clinical applications to greatly enhance cost-effectiveness and simplicity of diagnostic testing for CF.

Inclusion Criteria:

• Clinical diagnosis of cystic fibrosis (for CF-patients)
• Age ≥ 18 years

Exclusion Criteria:

• Previous lung transplantation (for CF-patients)
• Pulmonary exacerbation within the preceding 6 weeks (for CF-patients)
• Moribund or severe disease prohibiting protocol adherence (for CF-patients)
• Respiratory illness requiring physician consultation within the preceding 6 weeks (for controls)
• Chronic respiratory illness (for controls)
• Physical or intellectual impairment precluding informed consent or protocol adherence
• Pregnancy