← Return to Research: Effects of Hypertonic Saline on Bronchiectasis

Discussion
Comment receiving replies
Profile picture for kathyjjb @kathyjjb

@bernadene24 You're welcome, Bernadene. I have the exact same question and concerns. I wouldn't make the change based on 1 study, particularly considering the sample size of those with NTMs. I would definitely discuss with both your ID and Pulmonary doctors, particularly since you have a chronic cough-which isn't good either. My NJH doctor last May told me she wanted me to stay on the 7% Hypertonic saline after I briefly went on the 3%. Since then, I have had very low counts: 32, 0,0,0,22,8, and waiting on my 7th sample. About 6 months ago, I developed a bad cough asked her if I could take a break from the 7% and use the 3% and she said it was fine. I'm now back on the 7% since I determined the cough was more asthma related but thinking of talking to her again about maybe go to 3% for a longer period and see if it effects my counts. In your case, I really think you should discuss with your doctors. It's a shame there aren't more studies on this. Also, I have found about 4 or 5 saline studies (I couldn't find the other one I wanted to post) and haven't seen any saline nebulizing studies comparing MAC and Pseudomonas. No doubt in my mind, there would have been more studies (and larger groups for specific treatments) if saline was a $5000/month plus drug.

Jump to this post


Replies to "@bernadene24 You're welcome, Bernadene. I have the exact same question and concerns. I wouldn't make the..."

@kathyjjb Yes, thanks. I will get in touch with my doc, although that is proving to be a real challenge. I changed back from kaiser to original medicare at the beginning of the year. (Long story, plan was cancelled). Went to one pulmo close to home and that was no good. Finally got an appt. at Georgetown Hospital Bronchiectasis Clinic on April 30. I liked the doctor very much. She went over all my scans with me and explained that I have “traction bronchiectasis” due to scarring of the lungs from something else. She did blood testing to explore possibility of autoimmune disease and said she wanted to confer with some of her colleagues who were expert in fibrous lung issues & she would call me the following week. I heard nothing, so after two weeks, I called her assistant who was out of town (doc had told me if I need anything, to call the assistant), so I emailed the doc. After a week she answered saying she would call me the following day, but I didn’t hear anything. I plan to call her assistant on Monday. I don’t know if my expectations are too high and they are just very busy, but it doesn’t seem like they are very organized. At Kaiser emails were always answered within 2-3 days. Doc were available for calls if you needed them. Sorry for all the grousing. Since the beginning of the year I have been trying to find new docs for everything, get appts., and deal with a new portal for each one—madness! It’s scary not to have my pulmonary services in place.