3% sodium chloride solution and Albuterol vs 7% saline

Having tried both 3% and & 7%, I can say with certainty that the 7% helps me clear more easily than the 3%. No MAC diagnosis. Completely up to what works for you. The extra salinity might help keep MAC away? I don't know.

Thanks for your comments. I am meeting with my pulmonologist tomorrow so I can ask about her thoughts about whether a 7% might keep MAC away. Preventative actions are always good.

I find 7% saline helps clear my mucus far better than 3%.
Also, there is a new protocol for treating long-term asthma that uses a combination inhaler (Symbicort or its generic equivalent) twice a day for control, and only uses albuterol/levalbuterol for sudden attacks. I use this 10-20 minutes before my saline neb.
My daughter, an ER nurse, says new standard protocols are showing the albuterol inhaler is as effective as the neb when used with a spacer - and it only takes a minute, compared to 15-20 minutes to nebulize albuterol. Less time = better compliance with most people.
Sue

Thanks, Sue. So interesting about the new protocols with Albuterol and the timing differences. Definitely have to review that. You're so right about "less time = more compliance". After I nebulize with Albuterol and the saline, I have to really push myself to complete more airway clearance steps. Thanks for your help.

I find 7% saline helps clear my mucus far better than 3%.
Also, there is a new protocol for treating long-term asthma that uses a combination inhaler (Symbicort or its generic equivalent) twice a day for control, and only uses albuterol/levalbuterol for sudden attacks. I use this 10-20 minutes before my saline neb.
My daughter, an ER nurse, says new standard protocols are showing the albuterol inhaler is as effective as the neb when used with a spacer - and it only takes a minute, compared to 15-20 minutes to nebulize albuterol. Less time = better compliance with most people.
Sue

Is a spacer the same thing as an aerochamber?

Sue, can you go over that protocol again please. I usually nebulize my albuterol first, then right after nebulize the 7% saline. And you’re right it takes 30-40 mins to do both then there is 10 mins or so for PEP device. Twice a day!!! Now I’m not on Symbicort, but have albuterol rescue inhaler. So I would use albuterol inhaler with spacer 2 or 3 puffs, then wait 15 mins and nebulize 7% saline? Does that sound right?

Yes, Aerochamber and Vortex are two. Even a simple corrugated extension tube, supplied with some nebulizer kits, helps.
Reminder - sanitize daity, sterilize weekly as with other breathing devices.
Sue