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3% Saline vs. 7% for Nebulizing
I started out using 3% saline but the company seemed to discontinue that option. I am finding the 7% saline solution so harsh for nebulizing. True. I do cough out a lot of mucus but feel almost exhausted when I finish 20 min. of this. I am wondering if the process is only helping to clear my lungs or if it's irritating my throat and lungs and generating more mucus than need be. Any comments or suggestions? I plan to talk to my pulmonologist about this but don't have an appointment until the end of the month. Thanks!
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Well, I think it's fine to use if a patient can tolerate it - the 7%. It's just that quite a few people, like me, have trouble tolerating it. It makes me cough so much and feels very irritating. It feels as if it's doing more harm than good, so he suggested trying the 3% solution.
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2 ReactionsI probably do. I know what you mean, but I think that it still helps even if it is delayed. It feels a lot less harsh than 7%. I also do very simple floor exercises, really not even an exercise, where I elevate my legs higher than my chest. If you can do that with or without a pillow under your rear, I find it very effective and works pretty quickly.
Thanks for you input, I’ll give it a try.
@lenorj, I don't have that experience but my respiratory therapist did say that especially if your bronchiectasis is in the lower lobes, meaning at the bottom of your lungs, the response to the saline may be delayed.
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1 ReactionThanks for the helpful feedback.
Thanks for your reply.
Has anyone tried mixing the 3 and 7% saline to come up with something like 5 %? Would this be an improvement over the 3 but less hard to tolerate then the 7% ?
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1 ReactionI’ve done that
Hi Zscline,
So my experience and comments are as follows.
I still Neb 3% Saline and CVS here in NYC still provides in 4mL vials.
The company's name is Ritedose Corporation (manufacturer )n(60x 4 mL Sterile Unit-Dose Vials) Columbia, SC
Last year, I asked my Doctor if I could neb 7 %. My Pulmonologist wants me to stay on 3% saline vs 7% saline on account of the potential irritation that can occur. So your report was very interesting to me since I thought I could at least try the 7%. I decided to follow the Doctors orders in this case.
Flo @frankie160
I’m on the 7% with Al uteri’s. The 7% does irritate my lungs a little and causes an occasional cough spasm. The benefit I see is that the 7% helps clear my lungs a little better