Confused about saline

Posted by AZ @equanimous, Apr 11, 2023

I was diagnosed with bronchiectasis and MAC and am relatively new to this whole battle. I have a constant cough which is much worse at night but no shortness of breath. The mucus I cough up is pretty thin. I have ordered a wedge to elevate my upper body at night and am praying it will help. I was also told I am allergic to dust mites. My nasal drip is pretty bad at times. I am taking an antihistamine.

I repeatedly see mention of 7% saline nebulizer treatment. Does this help with controlling the MAC bacteria and curbing cough? I have asked my pulmonologist about saline with this response: "I don't generally use 7% saline. I use mucomsyt mixed with albuterol to thin the mucus, along with the vest. If this does not work, then I use dornase. "
I am not asking for medical advise but am curious to get your take on this.

At the present time I am using the compression vest 2x per day.
I have a Rx for Albuterol Sulfate, 0.083% for nebulizer. A respiratory therapist (who taught me how to use the compression vest) who said it would not help with cough and she did not think it was necessary.

I am confused and trying to keep the faith that I will find what works. I appreciate your feedback.

Interested in more discussions like this? Go to the MAC & Bronchiectasis Support Group.

reneemc | @reneemc | Sep 14 10:02am

After a puff of albuterol saline Aerobika with Autogenic app , is it one huff cough or do you keep trying?

scoop | @scoop | Sep 14 10:35am

In reply to @reneemc "After a puff of albuterol saline Aerobika with Autogenic app , is it one huff cough..." + (show)

Multiple huff coughs for me. From nebulizer --> completion of "breathing exercises" is approx an hour. Since the disease (bronchiectasis) is heterogeneous, each has a different experience. Add infectious processes on top and differences are compounded. There is no magic number of huffs etc. Trial and error is the best teacher I've come to realize.

If you're having trouble bringing up anything, Dr. McShane (Tyler, TX) recommends nebulizing 2 x 4ml vials back to back. Find out where your bronchiectasis is in your lungs so that you can target those areas with postural drainage. Try everything - lie down on your back, each side, upright, slanted back, etc. Give it time. AD app is a good place to start in all those positions. I hope this helps somewhat!

scoop | @scoop | Sep 14 10:40am

In reply to @kgggg "The fewer drugs, the better. Saline 7% one time a day. On this for less than..." + (show)

The only negative I wonder about is where does the saline go that doesn't make it into my lungs. All over the furniture, floors, walls?! Among the hassles of this disease I am thankful that the mainstay of treatment, saline, is natural and benign.

kgggg | @kgggg | Sep 14 12:37pm

In reply to @scoop "The only negative I wonder about is where does the saline go that doesn't make it..." + (show)

I never thought about the residue but small price to pay to have the relief that 7% offers

reneemc | @reneemc | Sep 15 12:29pm

In reply to @scoop "Multiple huff coughs for me. From nebulizer --> completion of "breathing exercises" is approx an hour...." + (show)

@scoop I have an appointment with Dr McShane tomorrow. , hopefully she’ll have something new that my Dallas Drs don’t know. However drug susceptibility is what it is.
Also I have an inversion table for drainage. Don’t know if it helps. I’ll try anything!

scoop | @scoop | Sep 16 8:03am

In reply to @reneemc "@scoop I have an appointment with Dr McShane tomorrow. , hopefully she’ll have something new that..." + (show)

How fortunate that your doctor is Dr. McShane!

How's the inversion table working for you?

mariegrace | @mariegrace | Sep 16 8:41am

Hi all
Our building has an indoor heated salt water pool. It has been closed since covid and now for renovationns.
Is it safe to swim in a heated indoor pool??
Thanks
MG

scoop | @scoop | Sep 16 11:46am

In reply to @mariegrace "Hi all Our building has an indoor heated salt water pool. It has been closed since..." + (show)

You might like to head over to http://ntminfo.org to ask this question. Guru to all things NTM, Dr. Joe regularly answers questions like these.

FWIW, I've read that salt water pools are ok but not sure how the indoor aspect impacts things. Also, depends on salinity %.

blm1007blm1007 | @blm1007blm1007 | Sep 16 10:24pm

In reply to @reneemc "@scoop I have an appointment with Dr McShane tomorrow. , hopefully she’ll have something new that..." + (show)

I have my third appointment with Dr. McShane mid October regarding my MAI/MAC/Bronchietasis. I travel from OKC to Plano and onto Tyler the next day. So far I have not been told to start antibiotics..
I understand that Baylor is going to establish a Bronchiectasis Clinic. Have you heard anything about that?
I have thought of getting an inversion table but I have a hiatal hernia/silent reflux. Do you have reflux? I was told with reflux certain positions are to be avoided. So curious if you have acid reflux and how you do with it with the inversion table.
I did see Dr. Mark Millard at Baylor for a one time consultation visit. He maybe retiring soon.
Barbara

Sue, Volunteer Mentor | @sueinmn | Sep 16 10:58pm

In reply to @blm1007blm1007 "I have my third appointment with Dr. McShane mid October regarding my MAI/MAC/Bronchietasis. I travel from..." + (show)

My new pulmonologist mentioned it today. The doc, well-known among the BE/NTM experts is already there. We had co many conversations I lost track of them all.
But take heart everyone, those trained at Mayo, NJH and other great centers are spreading out. You just have to do some searching. There is a lot to be said for being treated close to home. Remember, you will have this disease for the rest of your life, and eventually you will be glad you don't have to drive for two days, or take a flight, and stay in a hotel to get good care.