Saline solution 7% vs 9%: Anyone switched?

Thanks!

@poodledoc thanks for that very interesting article.

At NJH, I was told that the standard salinities for airway clearance are 3%, 7%, and 10%. 5% is not a standard, so those who get it need to have it made at a compounding pharmacy. NJH say that 10% is typically hard to use by patients with COPD or asthma. 3% is the threshold for survivability of NTM, which is the salinity of sea water. This is why they say that swimming in sea/ocean water is safe versus swimming in a pool or body of freshwater.

Hi Everyone!
.9% is isotonic, the same as our body fluids. It is the lowest percentage to nebulize. The next is 3% and then 7% and they are hypertonic, saltier than our body fluids. There is the possibility that 3 and 7% have antimicrobial properties in addition to hydrating our airways. With .9% those anti-microbial properties wouldn’t be there, but the solution would still moisturize and help liquefy mucus. When I’ve had some rough patches with a sore throat, My doctor suggested switching to .9% or 3% for a period of time.

Best,
Linda Esposito

NTMir just released this video by Dr Kevin Winthrop, on the benefits of nebulizing Hypertonic saline for patients with NTM including MAC and other bacteria. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eNMGH8PTwRI

Thanks! That was a great video — I was interested in him saying that he recommended for his stable MAC patients to only nebulize once a day, but to then vigorously exercise in the afternoon as their second airway cleanse.
Aerobic exercise DOES open the airways and brings up sputum, so I am going to try that instead of nebbing twice a day and see if it works

@poodledoc Thanks for sharing that video with us. I do not use a device after nebulizing as it never seemed to help in the past but after viewing I will give it another shot. I am able to bring up sputum with just the hypertonic saline. I guess the more productive, the better. Also, he inspires to do more aerobic exercise. I liked his come from.....maybe because he is just one laid-back dude.
Best wishes for good health in the coming year.
Kate

I could have had Omicron COVID--no fever, but my sinuses went crazy and affected my lungs which are not usually productive. I was nebbing 4xday. I decided to up the percentage to 9%. (I have a %15 saline solution that I half with sterile water, usually get the 7.5%.) I found the 9% to be effective with no adverse reactions.

PS Although my rapid test for COVID was negative, I lost my sense of smell for ten days.

The title of this original post "Saline solution 7% vs 9%: Anyone switched?" has unfortunately created a lot of confusion. The 9% should actually read 0.9% which is normal saline. Is there a way to get that changed?

That is correct. 0.9% is the same as the body naturally has and what you might give to a child or baby. It does very little for me. 3% also did not work well enough for me. 7% does more to avoid exacerbations (for me). But they might make a 9% not to confuse things. I know they make a 12% which would be very strong.