3% saline

Posted by km6 @km6, Nov 7 2:01pm

I use 3% mainly because 4-7 is apparently harder to get?
I get nothing up with vest

Is it possible to not have secretions with bronchiectasis?

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Sue, Volunteer Mentor | @sueinmn | Nov 10 7:41am

@km6 First let me say that some people do have "dry bronchiectasis" with few secretions.
Then, let's talk about saline - the 7% strength became popular because studies showed that it was the most inhospitable to MAC bacteria. Many people use 3% if hey cannot tolerate 7%. As for getting 3% vs 7%, it has been a puzzle for many of us over the years. For me, we finally figured out if the Rx said "4ml vials 7% Saline solution" the local pharmacy would say they couldn't get it. So instead she prescribes "60 vials 7% saline" and it has been filled fine ever since with 5ml vials.
Have you seen this excellent video on airway clearance?

Dr McShane has some excellent suggestions on getting mucus moving if that is your issue.

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