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mch (Marycarol) avatar

Any success with saline only and no meds?

MAC & Bronchiectasis | Last Active: Aug 17, 2025 | Replies (37)

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Profile picture for kathyjjb @kathyjjb

Have you gone to NJH or Mayo or any other clinic that specializes in NTMs?

Months ago, I came across a UK study using 6% NaCl and the results were very promising. I don't recall the study duration but thinking it was a year or 2. NYU is currently looking for study participants for a new study using 7% saline for MAC treatment. It looks like the study is being managed out Of Portland, but travel to NYU-Manhattan 3 times during the study duration. The duration is only 3 months, but still it will be interesting to see results.

Also, I haven't delved into this at all, but just read about a Univ. of BC study using Benztropine (Drug used for tremors for people with Parkinsons), to lower Tuberculosis count. I'm going back to NJH next week and will ask my ID doctor about it and potential of using for those of us with NTMs. I was briefly on antibiotics and for now I am off of them. If and when I go back on the drugs, I will probably use Chinese herbs that have been tested and shown to boost the efficacy of some of the NTM antibiotics.

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Replies to "Have you gone to NJH or Mayo or any other clinic that specializes in NTMs? Months..."

Great info and thank you for sharing! I also looked into the NYU study about 7% saline for MAC but had already started a bronchial hygiene regimen with 3%. If anyone has not yet started saline nebulizer then they would be eligible. I wish I would have known about it earlier. I’m in one study at Mayo about predicting outcomes of those with MAC but it’s nothing related to treatment.

The study I found about the 7% saline was from European Medical Journal. I’d definitely be interested if there was another study here in the US.

@kathyjjb, Could you explain which Chinese herbs you meant here?

Thanks!
Ling