7% sodium chloride

I started with 7% solution and found it was to string for my mouth and throat. For about 2 weeks I alternated using 7% in my morning routine and 3% in my evening routine. I found that after 2 weeks of that I could gradually change over to all7% with no difficulty. Occasionally, I will go back to the 3% if my lungs or throat feel irritated. I think the secret is to go slowly.

I have to sip a little as I neb the 7% to prevent coughing. If I remember right, I increased the time I did it over a few days. Good luck!

Has the 7% helped produce more sputum? I also have difficulty getting anything up with the 3%.

@kkeenan It helped me tremendously.

@kkeenan The 7% made a dramatic difference for me. I wasn't getting much of anything up with the 3% and so my doctor agreed to put me on the 7%. It made an immediate difference and it did not bother my throat or lungs. I'm able to bring up mucus especially in my morning session. I also feel more clear throughout the day. It's worth a try if you haven't yet.

You will adjust to the 7%.

My pulmonologist started me on 7% straight away ... so I don't have a comparison however, at first it did irritate my throat. Dr suggested to rinse mouth out and gorge with water afterwards. Once I learned to breath so it reached my lungs and not just the back of my throat it got easier. I do get dry mouth while nebulizing so once in awhile I stop and take a sip of filtered water. That usually helps cough up sputum more easily as well.

@pacathy I will sip too sometimes. Not from coughing but from really dry mouth while nebulizing

I’m using 7% after having side effects from the medication but now I’m adding one drop of tea tree and one drop of eucalyptus (medical grade) essential oil. I’m getting better Sputum, after two yearsmy night sweats have stopped completely and I am breathing easier. I’m not a doctor and I’m not recommending this but it is definitely working well for me!

@ktw1147 Do you use essential oil in your nebulizer? Or diffused in the air?

Many years ago after I read about the potential harm to breathing in humans and pets, I gave up my diffusers and essential oil, which about killed me because I loved the lightly wafting subtle fragrance. I'm glad it's working for you but urge caution all around very especially with lung disease.