Hmm, that is an interesting question. Most of us arrived at Mayo Connect because we had symptoms, and if the pulmonologist had not directed it, our experienced members strongly suggested it.

When I was diagnosed, I had a cough, fever, Bronchiectasis, Pseudomonas & MAC as well us uncontrolled asthma and my pulmo told me I would need to do airway clearance for the rest of my life. First to help clear my lungs, then to keep them clear. During my last visit, over 2 years after nearly all my symptoms were gone, and with my asthma now well-controlled, my current pulmonologist again stressed airway clearance, with 7% saline nebs "as needed."

The answer will be different depending on whether you have been diagnosed with MAC or Pseudomonas or another infection.

Why? When one has bronchiectasis, lungs don't function efficiently to move mucus (which we all have - it keeps our lungs moist.) It gets stuck or pooled where it should not be, creating a warm, moist hiding place for bacteria to settle and grow. This is why we are more inclined to be infected by slow-growing bacteria like MAC. Other people just don't have a place for them to grow.

If you have Bronchiectasis without an infection, airway clearance without saline might be enough to keep you healthy. As to whether you need saline? If using a vibratory device & one or more coughing exercises you bring up any mucus and it is clear & not sticky, maybe not.

If you have an infection, even without symptoms or current antibiotic regimen, airway clearance, especially with saline, can help keep the infection from progressing.

Which category are you in?
Sue