Average sputum measurement from one nebulizing treatment 7% saline

I do not get anything with 3% and my doctor is against giving me 7%. Would it change the outcome- I am inclined to try.

I always manage to cough up a lot of phlegm ( clear) with the 7%. I believe 7% is the gold standard…but maybe your dr has a reason for a lesser strength. I do the autogenic drainage for four minutes after which brings up even more!

I can fill 1/2 of a small Dixie cup and more during the day. Especially when lying on my back. My doctor is okay with the 7%. I inhale Albuterol and saline in the morning and just saline at night.

My amount must be more than most people. My first airway clearance brings up between 2 to 3 ounces. Most of that comes up after laying on my back using the Aerobika. Second airway is usually very little.

thks for your response. i think my amount is equivalent to everyone elses on here. I am assuming that everyone's is thick and sticky too? no?

Irene,
Do you think that if someone who does not have Mac and Bx nebulized with saline, that their phleghm would be thick and sticky too...? is that just that the way it is for everyone?

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

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?

Absolutely - I have had it all my life. It contributed to ear and sinus infections as well as pneumonia for many years.
Mucinex helped with all of this.
Sue

I think the more I understand about Mac/Bx, etc, the more relaxed and normal I can function. It's the not knowing, the wondering...that plants seeds of uncertainty and anxiety.
I am very grateful, I do not have symptoms.......Just doing the clearance, mucinex, walking, etc..and I seem ok. The sputum is always clear..........Not taking the antibiotics, due to poor quality of life on them. Dr Swenson is aware. I will get sputum tests done every 3 to 5 months and a scat scan yearly he said. So, I am keeping an eye on it, and doing everything I can..and still trying to enjoy my life.
It takes adjusting to this mentally, (as you know)..when you first find out it is mind boggling.
Thanks so much for your continued help Sue...you have been implemental in helping me maintain some peace of mind, with your input and compassion. Bon