7% Saline Solution

He verified what my doctor and the article she sent me say. I cannot tolerate anything except .9% so is there any value in my spending time and and energy inhaling it 2x a day? Any percent will liquefy the stuck sputum to help move it out but only 7% is believed to kill some bacteria.

Rita - I guess whether you keep doing it depends on the desired outcome. Keep in mind that any solution that removes mucus will make your lungs a less friendly host for bacteria, so even if the .9% saline doesn't kill the NTM, it will give fewer opportunities for it to establish colonies - and to cough out some of the infected phlegm.

Just another way to look at it - fits my goal of living the best I can with bronchiectasis.
Sue

Oops sorry Sue.
I should have inserted, "Using .9% does make a difference " before the sentence beginning "Any per cent wil liquefy..."

Can anyone tell me best way to purchase 7% saline now that I am on Medicare? Thanks

I have not been able to get Medicare to cover it.
I purchase saline from Walgreens using a Goodrx coupon from the Goodrx website. It's about $15 at my local Walgreens and a bit cheaper elsewhere but this store has a drive thru window. You do need a prescription.

Rits, how many ampules does your $15.00 buy?

100 but remember it is .9% As I recall the higher saline percents were more expensive for 60. If you go to the Goodrx website, it will tell you the prices for various percents and how many ampules at your neighborhood stores.

Mine buys "one box" which is 60 in some locations, 50 in others, depending on supplier.
Sue

Thank you @rits! Yes I checked and I can get 180 viles , 4ml 7%, For $23.12 at CVS or target using GoodRX! Great price!

@glendamoseley - Medicare covers mine through Part B. Ask your doctor to submit that way. They do only cover certain manufacturers though but your pharmacy can always order if they don't have it on hand. Very tricky but at least not a very expensive med. @lindam272