The saline we all refer to is used in the nebulizer to treat our lungs. It comes in tiny 3-5ml ingle use vials. The nebulizer aerosolizes it so it can reach deep into the lungs. It serves 2 purposes - to liquify the mucus so we can cough it out, and to limit the growth of bacteria.

People with bronchiectasis and other lung conditions have lost the "efficiency" of their lungs coughing out mucus, which we all produce, and provide a warm, moist, dark home for bacteria and viruses to settle in and grow, making us more susceptible to nasty, hard to treat infections. Using saline, and possibly other meds, to loosen the mucus, followed by an airway clearance routine, helps clear out the hiding places, reducing the number and/or severity of infections.

Can you tell us a little about your diagnosis, and whether you are taking any medications or doing airway clearance?
Sue