Can nebulizing 3% saline cause hard balls of stool?

Posted by rozie83 @rozie83, Feb 14 9:59am

I have BE and normally use the Aerobika twice a day and walk 3 miles daily. Recently my lung sounded congested to my pulmonologist and she told me to nebulize 4 times a week with 3% saline. The first two times I did, I had balls of hard stool that really constipated me. I've googled this question. Other inhaled solutions apparently can cause constipation but not saline. I'm thinking it's not the saline but the act of breathing in steam that might be causing it. I haven't asked my doc yet. I am prone to constipation but this was more like a hard ball. Has anyone else had any similar reaction? I'm grateful for any input. Thank you. Roz

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Profile picture for texaseve @texaseve

@rozie83 Thanks for the Kiwi suggestion, I'll have to try it. My husband uses Theraworx, which doesn't do a lot for me, simply because I don't want to get up and find the bottle, squirt it on my legs, rub it in (a couple times), etc. I have a hard time sleeping, so this procedure is daunting. (It is also a Magnesium product.) Thanks for mentioning this one, as I'm sure it will help some of those suffering from leg cramps. I love this site!

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@texaseve I love it too.

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Profile picture for texaseve @texaseve

I have these problems, also. I eat a lot of fruit in the am, take Metamucil, and try to get other fiber items in too. I went to my PA and she suggested a squatty potty, which really helps, walking more, water (more), and stool softeners. I have done all this and added Magnesium Glycinate gummies. Of course ASK your doctor if they are ok for you. I take a half of one at a time.... they do have sugar. I find the gummies help me relax (sleep), help with leg cramps, and help prevent my migraines. I stay away from large amounts of cheese. All of these things have helped the stool situation, though when I don't stay on it, the problem returns. I believe it is the antibiotics causing most of the issue. When I worked and walked miles in the hospital, I had no problem.... go figure!

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@texaseve Not sure I wrote this before. I found Kiwi to have a laxative effect. Roz

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Profile picture for Sue, Volunteer Mentor @sueinmn

@rozie83 Extra Virgin Olive Oil?

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@sueinmn I read that too much EVOO can be constipating. I used to have a lot at dinner. Hard to know what to do.

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Profile picture for hoopsnest17897 @hoopsnest17897

@ursala7 I neb 3% sod chloride 2Xdaily and had terrible constipation since ending of my Big 3 antibiotics for MAC. Have begun drinking hot filtered water with a little EVOO early each morning, what a difference this has made. No more rocks!!

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@hoopsnest17897 thanks, I'll def try the EVOO remedy!

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Profile picture for rozie83 @rozie83

@rozie83 My pulmonologist has lowered the concentration of my sodium to .9 from 3. Hopefully this will make a difference. Roz

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Thank you, all of you, so much for this topic. I have been terribly constipated ever since I began nebulizing with a different cup that provides a more rapid treatment session. Yesterday diverticulitis took me to the ER and a CT plus enema relieved (pun intended) my mind of other dire thoughts but left me with the why since I thought, even living here in S AZ, that I was drinking enough water. The ER doc suggested I up the magnesium supplement from 250 to 400 mg to see if that would help as well as drinking more during my meals and drinking water after my nebulizing session. As others have noted I eat plenty of veggies, pay attention to fiber. For the time being until things settle down thanks to a whopper of a dose of amoxicillin clav, my gastroenterologist suggested a half dose daily of Miralax too until the inflammation goes away. I am hoping to get back to normal! Thanks again.

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Profile picture for desertdwellerjh @desertdwellerjh

Thank you, all of you, so much for this topic. I have been terribly constipated ever since I began nebulizing with a different cup that provides a more rapid treatment session. Yesterday diverticulitis took me to the ER and a CT plus enema relieved (pun intended) my mind of other dire thoughts but left me with the why since I thought, even living here in S AZ, that I was drinking enough water. The ER doc suggested I up the magnesium supplement from 250 to 400 mg to see if that would help as well as drinking more during my meals and drinking water after my nebulizing session. As others have noted I eat plenty of veggies, pay attention to fiber. For the time being until things settle down thanks to a whopper of a dose of amoxicillin clav, my gastroenterologist suggested a half dose daily of Miralax too until the inflammation goes away. I am hoping to get back to normal! Thanks again.

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@desertdwellerjh
I'm sorry you had to experience that trauma. I was very surprised when I started Nebulizing and developed hard stool blockage. Luckily, I was able to stop Nebulizing, but I worry in case I ever do need to do so again. Good luck. Roz

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Profile picture for Sue, Volunteer Mentor @sueinmn

@rozie83 Extra Virgin Olive Oil?

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@sueinmn
Thanks, Sue for asking about the abbreviation. I know it’s easier to type these in comments, but not everyone understands what they mean. And there are so many to keep up with!

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