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Bronchiectasis: Is nebulizing helpful?

MAC & Bronchiectasis | Last Active: Oct 21, 2021 | Replies (76)

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@kathyhg

Thanks to everyone for their humour and support when it comes to living with bronchiectasis and Mac. I wanted to offer a word of encouragement on this thread about “Is nebulizing helpful?”.

I won’t burden you with my experience with bronchiectasis and Mac but I was diagnosed about 2 1/2 years ago. I was on the “Big 3” for 6 months and had to stop taking them because of side effects. I have been diligently nebulizing twice a day since then. I started with 3% saline and quickly changed to 7% after reading more about it on this forum.

I am sending this today because I just got the results from my last sputum test and it was negative for Mac. I wasn’t even close to a negative sample after 6 months on the medication so I attribute this to nebulizing. I have made a lot of dietary and lifestyle changes but I am convinced it is the nebulizing that has been most helpful.

Thanks again to everyone for sharing their support, experience and knowledge on this forum.

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Great news! How do you feel compared to a yar ago?
Sue

That's wonderful, Kathy. Thank you for sharing that! Can you briefly share your other lifestyle and dietary changes? Was it gluten free changes?

Very interesting to me because as I have posted in the past, my pulmonologist doesn't believe nebulizing is necessary. He stated as long as I use my inhaler prior to doing my smart vest, I will get the same results. I'm having a problem with this mindset. Any input from those who may have dealt with the same thinking from their doctor?? Thank you !! Toni

I have been following this discussion for many months & appreciate all who post. I was quickly diagnosed nearly 4 yrs ago with bronchiectasis & MAC. My symptoms have been mild with the exception of hemoptysis which originally led me to the ER & later to the brink of the “big 3”. My pulmonologist suggested nebulizing 3% sodium chloride about 16 months ago which I did faithfully. My hemoptysis continued with incidents occurring more often. In February after discussion with my pulmonologist, I started mixing 3% & 7% & eventually was able to easily tolerate 7%. When I saw my pulmonary Dr. in April, she recommended treatment with the big 3 as my hemoptysis continued every few weeks. At her referral, I also saw an infectious disease Dr. & he did not believe my symptoms warranted antibiotic treatment. I told them both that I expected to cough up blood or clots in the next day or two, but otherwise I had no challenging symptoms (ha?). That was nearly 3 months ago. I believe the 7% sodium chloride has made the difference & I owe its use to all of you who share your wisdom & experience.