@joanng Joann - saline helps thin the secretions in the lungs, making it easier to "bring up the gunk." People with bronchiectasis have damaged bronchioles, so they do not function normally, and often need help. The bacteria that cause us so many issues find the gathering fluids in the lungs to be a great harbor to grow in.

References to 7% saline are because some studies have shown that MAC cannot grow in that environment, and we are trying to keep it at bay. The 7% strength requires a prescription, .9% is the common one. When I was having trouble bringing up sputum for a culture, my doc had me neb 10% before each effort - yuk! I felt a-salted for days - every time I coughed.

When nebbing, some people recommend using the entire 4ml vial of 7% - my doc says ones I have coughed enough to quit producing sputum, I can stop the neb - usually only takes about 2ml for me, but I also use Mucinex 2x/day to keep the mucus thin. Have done that for 30+ years because it also keeps my ears clear - I used to have 7-10 ear infections per year.

If you have more questions, feel free to ask.
Sue