Hi Ellen - My docs (ID and pulmo) as well as NJH recommend nebulizing for a number of reasons. I would consider it especially useful if you are trying to avoid use of antibiotics (it is the reason I use it - I have MAC and the meds were causing me many problems.)
The saline thins the mucus and makes it less sticky, thereby causing it to move better - the longer it stays in its warm, cozy environment (your lung) the more bacteria can set up a colony and grow.
The saline inhibits the film that forms to protect the bacteria.
There is some evidence that 7% saline inhibits the growth of MAC bacteria.

As for finding a nurse with experience in pulmonology, contact your pulmonologist - if his is not experienced, perhaps he can refer you through the respiratory therapists in your hospital - a friend in Nebraska sees the RT because there is no experienced pulmonology nurse near her.
Sue

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