Pulmozyme helps reduce the risk of respiratory tract infections in cystic fibrosis by doing what?

• A. Breaking down DNA in mucus to reduce viscosity
• B. Increasing mucus production
• C. Acting as an antibiotic
• D. Hydrating airway surfaces

Answer: (A)

The main idea is that thinning thick, sticky mucus improves the body’s ability to clear it, which lowers infection risk. Pulmozyme (dornase alfa) is an enzyme that breaks down extracellular DNA found in the mucus of people with cystic fibrosis. That DNA comes from immune cells and makes mucus even thicker, so by cutting it up, the mucus becomes less viscous and easier to clear with coughing and normal ciliary action. With mucus flowing more freely, bacteria are less likely to be trapped and multiply, reducing respiratory infections. It doesn’t increase mucus production, isn’t an antibiotic, and doesn’t hydrate airway surfaces directly.