Negative sputum results without treatment

Hi again. I’m also interested in 7 % saline. I haven’t been able to get a prescription for it from my ID doctor yet. I’ll ask again next time and show her the paper AlleycatKate posted (https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4850692/). In the mean time, I found a “pocket neti Himalayan sea salt inhaler” on the web that’s about the size of a chapstick. Has anyone had any experience with it?

Based on several comments in this discussion, I am interested in taking NAC. Thanks! However, I read that NAC can cause hemoptysis. Has anyone had that reaction to taking NAC orally? I was diagnosed with mild bronchiectasis (with a couple small nodules) and MAC after coughing up blood a couple of years ago, while lap swimming. Last month I again coughed up about 2-3 TBS of blood on going to bed. Other than that, I have had no symptoms and don’t take antibiotics. I am 72. I exercise and walk 2-4 miles almost every day and my spirometry/breathing results are normal.

Hi.....I am new to this site....I do read all the posts but have never participated....I was diagnosed with MAC and Bronchiectasis four years ago... I took the Big 3 for a year . Then a year ago my FL pulmonologist did a Broncoscopy and found that MAC had returned....He did not put me on the antibiotics again.....but albuterol twice a day....In July I had blood in my mucus and coughing more than I ever had....Ended up going to the Cleveland Clinic in August....My doctor there put me on the 7% saline solution twice a day along with albuterol...Have a say in over a week my mucus was clear and I wasn't coughing or clearing my throat as before......Hope you give it a try....It worked for me...

Hi again. I’m also interested in 7 % saline. I haven’t been able to get a prescription for it from my ID doctor yet. I’ll ask again next time and show her the paper AlleycatKate posted (https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4850692/). In the mean time, I found a “pocket neti Himalayan sea salt inhaler” on the web that’s about the size of a chapstick. Has anyone had any experience with it?

Hi @lorifilipek ...In response to your question regarding NAC, I have had no negative responses to the supplement, only good results. Also, I have found the 7% saline solution to be very helpful. I had my GP call in a script to our local medical pharmacy (they carry the nebulizing units) as well as the saline...Sodium Chloride Inhalation Solution, USP 7% .... 4 ml twice a day). The other thing I take that I have really found helpful is an herb, Astragalus. It is an adaptogenic herb...It works on so many levels and is beneficial to the lungs in clearing congestion but the big advantage I found is that I have not gotten sick since taking it for several years now. It boosts the immune system. Good luck on your path with these bugs and Best Wishes!! Kate

Hi Kayekuz, do you take the albuterol as a neb solution or an inhalant? Do you take it before, or after the saline or, If a solution, do you mix it with the saline? My lungs will not tolerate saline even the 3%. I, and my doctor, would like me to use it but, at least until I finish with Arikayce which also "upsets" my lungs, I can't do the saline. I'm interested in whether Albuterol would help.

@lorifilipek I take about approx 1,500 mg twice a day...astragalus root...so not extract.