1. < MAC & Bronchiectasis

3% sodium chloride solution and Albuterol vs 7% saline

Posted by dianesk @dianesk, May 1, 2023

In January, I was diagnosed with a mild case of Bronchiectasis. My pulmonologist prescribed Albuterol and a 3% sodium chloride solution. From reading the posts, I rarely see anyone using Albuterol or a 3% solution. I was wondering if anyone was using Albuterol and or a 3% solution? Is Albuterol safe a long term solution? Does the 7% solution come into play as Bronchiectasis progresses? I've learned so much from these online discussions and am so appreciative of this special community.

Interested in more discussions like this? Go to the MAC & Bronchiectasis Support Group.

Mentor
Sue, Volunteer Mentor | @sueinmn | May 2, 2023
In reply to @kathyhg "Thanks. I read some reviews of the cheaper ones on amazon and they don’t always work..." + (show)
@kathyhg

Thanks. I read some reviews of the cheaper ones on amazon and they don’t always work well. I’ll try a brand name I guess.
It feels like I learn something new every day - wish I had this knowledge 4 years ago but better late than never…

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Yes, the knowledge base we have on this support group is superb. I would never have learned about 7% saline, NAC, the many styles/alternatives for airway clearance, alternatives to antibiotic therapy, etc without this great community!
Sue

REPLY
kathyhg | @kathyhg | May 2, 2023
In reply to @sueinmn "Yes, Aerochamber and Vortex are two. Even a simple corrugated extension tube, supplied with some nebulizer..." + (show)
@sueinmn

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

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What is the best way to sanitize these? I boil the devices I use to nebulize but I know that not everything can be boiled.
Thanks,

REPLY
1 reply
scoop | @scoop | May 2, 2023

I'm thinking cleaning/ sterilizing should be under a different thread?
Best to follow manufacturers instructions for cleaning and then sterilizing. Some people use Medela micro-steam bags generally used for sterilizing baby bottles etc., or baby bottle sterilizers using previously boiled water. Some use rubbing alcohol or hydrogen peroxide (takes 3x longer than alcohol). Some use deposable neb cups and avoid sterilizing altogether. Wish there existed a small autoclave for neb gear. Baby bottle sterilizers are big. I've always wondered about UV light wands. Do they work on our stuff? Anyway, a good reminder I need to clean/sterilize my spacer!
https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00S0U5X18/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_asin_title_o05_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1

REPLY
2 replies
sallyb827 | @sallyb827 | May 3, 2023
In reply to @sueinmn "Yes, Aerochamber and Vortex are two. Even a simple corrugated extension tube, supplied with some nebulizer..." + (show)
@sueinmn

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

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I am coming late to this conversation. What is an Aerochamber, Vortex, and spacer?
Thanks!

REPLY
1 reply
AZ | @equanimous | May 3, 2023
In reply to @sueinmn "I find 7% saline helps clear my mucus far better than 3%. Also, there is a..." + (show)
@sueinmn

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

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I finally got my dr to prescribe saline, after requesting it numerous times. She seemed to be very resistant, implying that there would be negative consequences. Because of that, I asked or the 3% to start slow, in case she was right. I am tolerating it just fine with NO problem. I will finish this Rx and then request the 7%. One small victory!

REPLY
1 reply
Mentor
Sue, Volunteer Mentor | @sueinmn | May 4, 2023
In reply to @scoop "I'm thinking cleaning/ sterilizing should be under a different thread? Best to follow manufacturers instructions for..." + (show)
@scoop

I'm thinking cleaning/ sterilizing should be under a different thread?
Best to follow manufacturers instructions for cleaning and then sterilizing. Some people use Medela micro-steam bags generally used for sterilizing baby bottles etc., or baby bottle sterilizers using previously boiled water. Some use rubbing alcohol or hydrogen peroxide (takes 3x longer than alcohol). Some use deposable neb cups and avoid sterilizing altogether. Wish there existed a small autoclave for neb gear. Baby bottle sterilizers are big. I've always wondered about UV light wands. Do they work on our stuff? Anyway, a good reminder I need to clean/sterilize my spacer!
https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00S0U5X18/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_asin_title_o05_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1

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UV light only works on surfaces it touches. So insides or crevices would not be sterilized. Nebulizer parts and many plastics would become deformed in an autoclave.

REPLY
harrynsc | @harrynsc | May 4, 2023
In reply to @equanimous "I finally got my dr to prescribe saline, after requesting it numerous times. She seemed to..." + (show)
@equanimous

I finally got my dr to prescribe saline, after requesting it numerous times. She seemed to be very resistant, implying that there would be negative consequences. Because of that, I asked or the 3% to start slow, in case she was right. I am tolerating it just fine with NO problem. I will finish this Rx and then request the 7%. One small victory!

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I would get another pulmonologist or at least a second opinion.
Or an Infectious disease doctor.
Harry

REPLY
1 reply
liz440 | @liz440 | May 4, 2023
In reply to @kathyhg "What is the best way to sanitize these? I boil the devices I use to nebulize..." + (show)
@kathyhg

What is the best way to sanitize these? I boil the devices I use to nebulize but I know that not everything can be boiled.
Thanks,

Jump to this post

The directions for the Aerochamber say nothing about sterilizing. They do say not to use hot water but only lukewarm and wash in soapy water for 15 minutes once a week. That's it for the Aerochamber. I have no clue how to "sterilize" other than to wipe the mouth piece with an alcohol wipe maybe?

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