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New to MAC and considering treatments options: What did you do?
MAC & Bronchiectasis | Last Active: Nov 19, 2023 | Replies (190)Comment receiving replies
Well, I was absolutely a skeptic about 7% saline at first - it just sounded too simple. But... I am a fervent convert, and it may just have been the best thing I have done since diagnosis. For the first time in roughly 15 years, I have had upper respiratory infections (3 now) that did not evolve into either bronchitis or pneumonia. I credit the 7% saline keeping my lungs clear of mucus so the germs cannot take up residence. If I were you, I would (seriously) find myself a little battery powered hand held nebulizer and start the 7% saline routine. It takes about 10-15 minutes morning and evening. You can even do it while you watch the news or read email. Don't let all the descriptions of complicated cleaning routines scare you! I soak mine in hot water and a drop of dish soap, rinse & air dry. Once every week or 2, I boil it in a saucepan (most other people here seem to use a microwave sterilizer bag) Either one takes about as long as it takes to load or unload the dishwasher.
Maybe @thumperguy can convince you...
Sue
Replies to "Well, I was absolutely a skeptic about 7% saline at first - it just sounded too..."
Third day of the 7% Saline. Seems I get real light headed - is that normal? Could it be affecting
my heart rate. Just wondering?!
Been 5 weeks or so on this 7% saline. Now I have this morning cough out of yellow mucus that goes on for about an hour. Is this normal? Not sure if it's helping & why I'm having these early morning cough-a-thons. Any ideas?
Get the AerobiKa and reusable aeroclipes nebulizer equipment. You must boil this equipment for 10 minutes after use to destroy the MAC, pseudomonas and other bacteria. Nebulize twice daily followed by air way clearance exercises. On Facebook look up Lung Matters. This has an incredible amount of information which is evidence based treatments for bronchiectasis patients with MAC etc . We are our own patients advocates when it comes to our health. Never stop searching and learning about our disease and treatments. Find a pulmonologist who specializes in bronchiectasis/MAC etc. many pulmonologist treat us like COPD patients and the inhalers with steroids can cause more serious lung problems. This is why you need the care of an expert.
Hi. Is the 7% saline over the counter? Or Rx
Also how to you sterilize a hand held unit when it has electronic parts. I have a plug in with no batteries
Thanks
I’d be interested to try a hand held nebulizer. I hate to drag the big one around on a trip (and have flat out refused to take it to Europe for 3 weeks!). Do I just google it, or is there a brand name?
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Such a good tip. I’m all over it and I hope it works