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Average sputum measurement from one nebulizing treatment 7% saline
MAC & Bronchiectasis | Last Active: Sep 29, 2023 | Replies (50)Comment receiving replies
Bon - Have you considered adding guaifenesin (plain Mucinex 600mg LA) or NAC (Nacetyl cysteine 600mg twice a day) to help thin your mucus? I need to use BOTH to get anything up otherwise it stays stuck in my airways.
I probably only expectorate 1 tsp a day unless...I skip the saline for more than 2 days, it is allergy season, I have a cold or I am getting sick with a respiratory infection.
With that comes my reminder - I have been "stable" for 45 months, and have reached the point where I use my long-acting inhaler twice a day, do airway clearance every day, but only use saline every 2-3 days (3X/week) and only neb levalbuterol or other meds if I have a cold or exacerbation. When that happens I up saline to daily, airway clearance twice a day, and add the drugs if it doesn't begin to clear in 2 days.
So far this year I have only had ONE exacerbation - my personal best record in at least 10 years - even before I was diagnosed in 2018!
Remember, each of us is different. When I was (very) sick with MAC, I probably had 4 oz or more of mucus every day.
Sue
Replies to "Bon - Have you considered adding guaifenesin (plain Mucinex 600mg LA) or NAC (Nacetyl cysteine 600mg..."
Sue @sueinmn I have started used BING AI (artificial inteligence) instead of GOOGLE, a much better search engine on medical stuff. Anyway I found this info on using Mucinex and NAC for bronchiectasis.
Mucinex and NAC are both mucus-thinning medications (known as mucolytics) that can help people with bronchiectasis clear their airways and reduce the risk of infections and exacerbations.
Mucinex is the brand name of guaifenesin, an oral expectorant that loosens and thins mucus in the lungs. It is available over-the-counter and should not be combined with dextromethorphan, a cough suppressant1.
NAC stands for N-acetylcysteine, a mucus-dissolving and anti-inflammatory agent that can be taken orally or inhaled using a nebulizer. It is usually prescribed by a doctor and may have additional benefits such as antioxidant and anti-bacterial effects23.
A randomized trial in China showed that NAC reduced the frequency of acute worsening episodes (exacerbations) and improved the quality of life of patients with bronchiectasis compared to as-needed therapy2.
Both Mucinex and NAC can be used as part of a bronchial hygiene routine that may also include other medicines such as saline solutions, albuterol, or mannitol, as well as non-medical therapies such as hydration, exercise, and chest physiotherapy13.
The best choice of medication for bronchiectasis depends on the individual’s condition, symptoms, preferences, and doctor’s advice. Some people may benefit from using both Mucinex and NAC, while others may find one more effective than the other. poodledoc
I have a question. Being new to MAC the ID Dr and the pulmonologist both agreed to put me on 7% saline using a nebulizer. I thought this was what air way clearance is. But reading this blog it sounds like air way clearance and nebulizing with saline are two separate things. The pulmonologist also recommended I use a Vest. I also had a lot of mucus come up when I first started nebulizing but not so much now. That must be a good thing.
Thank you for this blog. It has been so helpful. I don't feel so alone in all this.
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Hi Sue!
I take Mucinex daily……I find it very easy to get the phleghm up when I nebulize with 7% saline morning night.
Do people have thick sticky phlegm who do not have Mac?