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@windwalker

@lmh7 Hi there. From what I understand, the use of an Aerobika is to help bring up the gunk in your lungs. I thought it was used by patients that are very congested and have a difficult time bringing it up. I am sure that all people have some amount of mucous in their lungs and it gets worked upward and out. Because those of us with lung disease usually have lung structure issues like scarring or bonchiectasis; mucous can get trapped in our lungs. Sometimes it isn't obvious to us that phlegm is being trapped because it is a small amount and doesn't cause a cough. It can still become a breeding ground for mac and pseudomonas. I find that doing the inhaled saline (sodium chloride) really helps to keep my airways cleared. It works on several levels: 1) it thins the mucous by adding moisture to it; that it turn, makes it easier to bring it up 2) it is slightly irritating so it can cause you to cough up the loosened phlegm 3) the salt is a natural antibacterial that hinders the growth of colonies. You may want to consider using the inhaled saline if you aren't already. I am hoping that others will jump in with their experience with the Aerobika to help you decide. Please let me know what you do and how it works for you. BTW, NJH is ONE of the top centers for treating MAC. Mayo Clinic is the other. : )

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Replies to "@lmh7 Hi there. From what I understand, the use of an Aerobika is to help bring..."

@imh7...Hi there....I use the aerobika x2 a day for app 15 minutes each time, to get the mucous out of my lungs...in the am, I don't get much, but after I work out for an hour it all comes up with the aerobika...I also use the saline...sometimes we get conflicting information, and just have to use our own common sense as to what works for us....I find Terry's information always informative, and use her information as a baseline..

@windwalker Thanks for your always informative info! I'm wondering how you inhale saline, or is that what the Aerobika is used for? Or is it put in a nebulizer? I will be asking about this at my next appointment. Also, which doctor do you see at Mayo? I keep reading about Dr. Aksamit and wonder if I should consult with him also. I see Dr. Clain, who is a wonderful pulmonologist; although I'm not sure if he "specializes" in MAC or not.