3% Saline vs. 7% for Nebulizing

Thank you, that's really helpful. I thought I needed a prescription to buy the saline, but I just ordered it. I sent a message to the respiratory therapist, but he hasn't gotten back to me. He mentioned going to 3% if the 7% had me wheezing, which it does. I don't want to create more damage and I was concerned that if I was wheezing, I was making damage.

I recently have bloody sputum ( small amount) so my pulmonologist suggested me to change it to 3%. I also noticed 7% saline made me wheeze at the end of nebulizing. I did not know it is causing damage, I thought it is helping clear out sputum!!

I feel so boring doing nebulizing!

I saw my pulmonologist yesterday. I very seldom get up mucus and tried the 3 and 7% on my own last year to see it I could get some out. I couldn’t and stopped it. I had frequent viral infections last winter (young grandchildren). Doc suggested trying 3 or 7 percent saline 1 or 2x a week to try to keep me healthier this winter. I’m going to get a faster compressor and try it.
Thought about starting a new thread with his suggestion, but this popped up today.

The 3% is much gentler. Just read or listen to some music. Take it as a time to relax for a few minutes. I resented it at first, but then ended up enjoying that time to just sit for a few minutes and relax. You can try just 10 min. if you don't want to sit for 20 min. I hope this will end up feeling helpful to you.

I do 10 minutes two times a day. The saline at first was making me choke. So I use albuteral and not the full vile of saline which has helped. I also do compression vest two times a day. Try any how. Sometimes only once but better than not at all

Thanks Ladies, that is very useful tips! Appreciate it! I am taking sick leave hopefully I have more time for airway clearance and do better.

Good for you Helen! I find it very difficult working full time. I prioritize nebulizing Arikayce and 7% Saline, doing airway clearance and cooking healthy meals but too often don't find time to exercise. I will be retiring June 1 and am counting the days!

What did the doc mean when he said very fewofhis patients can handle the 7% solution which my husband uses. What did he mean?

I have not been able to use 7% saline, but I have been using the 3%. After using the 3% I find , even after doing huff coughing and other breathing exercises I don’t get much sputum up. Several hours later it seems to kick in and I am able to expel quite a bit. Has anyone else had this delayed reaction?

Some people find the 7% too irritating and cannot tolerate it. For me 7% is no problem so it just depends on the person. 7% is definitely more effective if you can tolerate it.