Average sputum measurement from one nebulizing treatment 7% saline

Hi Linda,
I have little yellow globs sometimes….There is a lot written about that’s here in the blog! Type in search “yellow globs in mucus, nebulizing…..” or something like that!
From what I know, and have learned so far (just diagnosed a year ago); Many people get yellow balls/globs…etc. I did at first…but mostly now, my stuff is clear.
I don’t think that yellow necessarily means infection. Sometimes, it’s little plugs, debris…..etc.
Ask your pulmonologist…….is your dr familiar with MAC/Bx?
You can start a chat by typing the question also…regarding the yellow blobs…….I have learned most of what I know from this Mayo blog…..the members are wonderful and helpful!

Dispatch….I like what you shared!
I couldn’t handle the antibiotics (side effects)….so for now I am getting sputum tests every 3 to 5 months and a yearly ct scan, airway clearance, mucinex, exercise, autogenic drainage……….

I agree..a lot of doctors egos get in the way, and I run from those types. I’m a “question asker” and never the Twain shall meet!🤗

Hi Bon:
It is an antioxidant that helps lung function. There is a lot of info online. Here is one article: https://www.healthline.com/nutrition/nac-benefits

I get mine from Amazon.
https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00OA6NLG0/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_search_asin_title?ie=UTF8&psc=1

Thank you for the info!

Sounds about right! Me too. + this GERDS connection which I never would have imagined might apply to me. So ok ✅ Hope for staying stable - minimize stress and anxiety and in the meanwhile, there is a study for an anti-inflammatory drug that was so successful they are running a follow-up study with an expanded reach specifically to admit larger cohorts to the benefits of this drug. I asked about this and was told It will be fast tracked and available in about a year. I’ll post as I hear more. Stay hopeful! Thanks for sharing

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

Thanks for the affirmation. I have been using them together for nearly 2 years, as well as Symbicort for my asthma, and have had one asthma flare and one bronchiectasis exacerbation in that whole time! Life has really improved. Now if I could find something for the shortness of breath, so I could run with my grandsons, life would be perfect. Or maybe the fountain of youth? As long as it doesn't mean I must un-retire!

Do you have a citation for the article?

I am trying to get into the habit of using Bing AI too but old habits...

I have also switched saline nebs to every other day.
Sue

Hi wsbme74. My pulmolnary doc would not prescribe me 7% rather than 3% even with me asking on 2-3 separate visits. His comment is, "The studies does not support that it works better." Because of the amount of feedback from all the folks on this forum I purchased 7% from Amazon. I have been using half 3% and half 7% with AM nebbing and full 7% in the evening. Prior to getting the 7% I was not coughing up anything but feeling OK. When I began using 7% I occasionally (about once a week) cough up dark brown sticky stuff. That tells me that I've still got the Pseudomonas in there and the 7% is helping bring it out. I've only used Mucinex off and on but I think now I need to use it more regularly. I'm convinced it helps.

So after a few years of dealing with this I have come to realize that MAC can come and go for those of us with bronchietasis. This is why the daily routine to keep our lungs clean is so important; because we don't clean mucous like the rest of the world and this will cause MAC to come back. Things like indoor swimming pools, hot tubs, and gardening are likely triggers for me to get reinfected. Not to mention lack of sleep, and getting off my daily exercise plan and good eating. So I do my daily routine: 7% saline nebs with my aerobica ( by the way I often do my neb in my car on the way to work for convenience and consistency); vest therapy when I feel tight; and intermittent sputum sampling via my pulmonologist to keep monitoring. And thank you for the dry bronchiectasis comment; because thinking I lean more that way. Hope this helps.