Lung cavities

@helen1000 Please don't recommend this to others - they should consult with their own doctor before using such a large amount. The usual saline neb is one 4ml vials once or twice a day, so you are exceeding that by 2-3 times. That large amount can irritate lungs, and maybe even increase the amount of mucus lungs produce.
Have you told your docs how much/how often you are using the saline?

@sueinmn Yes you are right . I just follow Dr McSHane who said two vials may help better in her education video.

@sueinmn
I need to use two once a day (the other time I use one). But my pulmo ok'd it.

@sueinmn can nebulizing saline increase mucus production?

@reneemc I needed to look this us after your question of "can nebulizing saline increase mucus production?"
AI, again, for what it is worth said,
"Yes, nebulizing can increase mucus production, especially with hypertonic saline (HS), but its primary goal is often to thin and loosen existing mucus, making it easier to clear via cough, though some medications or irritation can lead to more mucus. Medications like acetylcysteine (NAC) are specifically designed as mucolytics to break down thick mucus, but can sometimes have side effects like increased mucus, while normal saline helps hydrate airways to improve natural clearance."

Overall, to me we are wanting to get the mucus out....and that is what the saline helps to do.....yet...how do we tell that it isn't causing more mucus production????
Barbara

@reneemc Sorry Renee, my computer burped earlier and my reply was lost.

A long time ago, my old pulmonologist's experienced nurse told me "Our lungs are meant to be bathes in mucus. Trying too hard to get rid of all of it can actually irritate the airways and cause us to produce even more."

Back then I was using levalbuterol and normal saline, but spending an hour or more every airway clearance session, and never getting rid of the mucus - I felt like an ever-flowing fountain. She cut me to 20 minutes max after the nebs, and very gradually my mucus decreased. My throat and chest were less sore. And eventually my MAC and Pseudomonas went away (about 6 years ago.)

Now my airway clearance is after exercise, with only an occasional saline neb (I'll do them faithfully this weekend and next week before and after flying). It usually takes about 10 minutes to clear my lungs, and Ihave anywhere betweena few drops and a couple teaspoons of mucus. Later in the day, I may have a few more mini-sessions if I feel the need.

Have you considered cutting back the amount of saline or length of airway clearance to see if you produce less mucus?

@reneemc I am so glad this discussion came up and others replied, because I have felt like a loner in having negative saline reactions. I usually neb 3% saline once or twice a week, in particular, when I feel like I need to do an activity that will help me expel more mucus (along with my exercise and airway clearance routines). But when I neb, I have about 36 hours of exhausting effort at clearing a LOT of clear new mucus that is pooling in my lungs; I can feel it pooling and it's distressing, not to mention, I have to stay home to deal with it. Finally, this ebbs off and I will not neb again until I get other symptoms, like dropping to 90 on my oximeter, or falling asleep in my chair, or feeling "heavy" in the lungs. I've always had sensitivities to food additives, too much sodium in the diet, gluten, etc. So, I'm thinking that my body is sensitive to the saline, because it feels like an allergy.

@ursala7 Perhaps saline nebs are not the right thing for you? Perhaps you can have a discussion with your pulmonologist about your reactions, and work with a respiratory therapist to find another option.

Thank you for the responses. I just know when I started nebulizing hypertonic saline and using an Aerobika afterwards , I produced very little. As time has gone by a year and 1/2 now.. I usually get 1/8 -1/4 cup and often feel like it’s never complete.
I tried nebulizing NAC for about a month until it caused hemoptysis. .
I experience so much throat clearing like trying to pull mucus up.
I have an appointment with my newest pulmonologist( I ve had 4 including Dr McShane)Monday, I will ask him.