The present invention relates to the role of cystic fibrosis transmembrane conductance regulator (CFTR) in pulmonary conditions. In one embodiment, a method for assessing the severity of lung damage from a pulmonary condition in a subject comprises the steps of (a) measuring the level and/or functional activity of membrane/lipid-raft cystic fibrosis transmembrane conductance regulator (CFTR)in a sample from the subject (b) measuring the level of ceramide or its species in a sample from the subject and (c) comparing the membrane/lipid- raft CFTR level and/or functional activity and ceramide level to a control sample, wherein a difference in membrane/lipid-raft CFTR level and/or functional activity and ceramide level is indicative of the severity of lung damage. The method can further comprise treating the subject based on the severity of lung damage. In particular embodiments, the treatment comprises administering a CFTR agonist and/or an agent that inhibits the synthesis of ccramide or its species.
