7% Saline Solution

I had to ask my pulmonary Dr to prescribe the saline to nebulize after reading about it on this forum. He prescribed the .9%, I think it was to just help thin the mucus. I requested he change the prescription to 3%, again after reading about it here. I seem to be doing ok. I just had a CT scan 1 week ago, and he said everything seems to be the same, not better but NOT worse. So as of now I’ll continue with the 3%.

I once was told that a CT scan revealed improvement in my Mac. I was elated though, truth to tell, I didn’t and still don’t know what that means. Similarly, I don’t know what a CT reveals about bronchiectasis. I’m eager to learn what some of the knowledgeable people here have to say about this

Earlier today I said I would look around for an easier-to-understand explanation of how high the saline dose needed to be to be lethal to mycobacteria. Wow, my eyes are crossed from reading through abstracts, and I still don't have any easy answer, people. Here is the best I can offer: an article linked to NIH in 2016: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4850692/pdf/13104_2016_Article_2054.pdf It is published by BioMedCentral, and is a recap of the results of numerous studies, kind of heavy reading. However, if you look at page 5 there is a chart, covering many strains of mycobacteria we discuss here.
What I was able to glean from all of it: Mycobacteria strains are susceptible to destruction by salt of various concentrations in lab tests.
Here are some common ones:
TB and Bovine TB 4%
M avium & intracellulare 6%
M chimaera 5%
M abcessus 8%
While nothing in the article states conclusively that nebulized saline in those concentrations will actually eradicate NTM in the lungs, I believe this led to the recommendations (and some European studies) where hypertonic saline nebs are used to thwart MAC. I believe that we will see more results coming in the future. In addition, the nebulized saline serves to thin the mucus and make it easier to expel by coughing.
Here is my personal takeaway - compared to the Big3 antibiotics, and even less desirable additional meds like IV or inhaled Amikacin, 7% hypertonic saline is fairly benign and inexpensive. If it even stunts the growth of any MAC remaining in my lungs after long-term antibiotics, it is worthwhile for me. Even better if it actually kills the bugs or prevents reinfection from the environment!
Next I am going to explore whether a hyper-saline soak will kill NTM on our nebulizer parts, flutter devices, etc. It's a lot more readily available to me than industrial strength vinegar.
Sue

Earlier today I said I would look around for an easier-to-understand explanation of how high the saline dose needed to be to be lethal to mycobacteria. Wow, my eyes are crossed from reading through abstracts, and I still don't have any easy answer, people. Here is the best I can offer: an article linked to NIH in 2016: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4850692/pdf/13104_2016_Article_2054.pdf It is published by BioMedCentral, and is a recap of the results of numerous studies, kind of heavy reading. However, if you look at page 5 there is a chart, covering many strains of mycobacteria we discuss here.
What I was able to glean from all of it: Mycobacteria strains are susceptible to destruction by salt of various concentrations in lab tests.
Here are some common ones:
TB and Bovine TB 4%
M avium & intracellulare 6%
M chimaera 5%
M abcessus 8%
While nothing in the article states conclusively that nebulized saline in those concentrations will actually eradicate NTM in the lungs, I believe this led to the recommendations (and some European studies) where hypertonic saline nebs are used to thwart MAC. I believe that we will see more results coming in the future. In addition, the nebulized saline serves to thin the mucus and make it easier to expel by coughing.
Here is my personal takeaway - compared to the Big3 antibiotics, and even less desirable additional meds like IV or inhaled Amikacin, 7% hypertonic saline is fairly benign and inexpensive. If it even stunts the growth of any MAC remaining in my lungs after long-term antibiotics, it is worthwhile for me. Even better if it actually kills the bugs or prevents reinfection from the environment!
Next I am going to explore whether a hyper-saline soak will kill NTM on our nebulizer parts, flutter devices, etc. It's a lot more readily available to me than industrial strength vinegar.
Sue

Thanks for your research Sue. I wish I could do the 7% and plan to try it again this time with a burst if Albuterol first. My pulmonologist said it helps some people to take a bronchodilator prior to the saline.

Soaking our devices in vinegar may or may not kill any bacteria on them. The best way to sterilize is boiling and most neb cups as well as the aerobika can be boiled. I learned from Arikayce that boiling in distilled water for 5 minutes will sterilize equipment
I soak in vinegar and soap after the morning airway clearance treatment and soak in soapy and then boil in distilled water in the evening, per Arikayce instructions.

Thank you Sue for that article NIH in 2016. It is really interesting. I got a prescription from my Dr for 7%. It is hard to find. Anyways I got some order. I would never have heard of this with out your help thank u all. What brand of nebulizer works the best? I have tried 3 . The ones with the compressor are so loud.

Thank you Sue for that article NIH in 2016. It is really interesting. I got a prescription from my Dr for 7%. It is hard to find. Anyways I got some order. I would never have heard of this with out your help thank u all. What brand of nebulizer works the best? I have tried 3 . The ones with the compressor are so loud.