Inhaled Xylitol Versus Saline in Stable Subjects With Cystic Fibrosis

Cystic fibrosis (CF) lung disease is characterized by chronic bacterial colonization and recurrent infection of the airways. Lowering the airway surface liquid (ASL) salt concentration has been shown to increase activity of salt sensitive antimicrobial peptides. Xylitol is a 5-carbon sugar that can lower the ASL salt concentration, thus enhancing innate immunity.In this study, the investigators plan to study the safety and efficacy of 2 weeks of inhaled xylitol compared to 2 weeks of hypertonic saline in a randomized crossover design in stable subjects with cystic fibrosis