Do I Have an Infection

If you have not had another sputum culture since a year ago it's a good idea to follow up with another one. Even though you may not have any bothersome symptoms it could "head off something at the pass" before it does cause problems.
Have you also been diagnosed with MAC or another infection? Are you seeing a Pulmonologist that specializes in treating MAC infections?

While light green mucus can sometimes indicate an infection, it's not a definitive sign. For people with bronchiectasis, it's pretty common to have some colored mucus even without an active infection. The key is to pay attention to any other changes, like an increase in how much you're coughing up, a change in consistency, or feeling more tired and run-down.

Regarding the saline solution, if your doctor suggested trying the 7% and you're curious, it might be worth giving it a shot. Since they said there's no urgency, it sounds like it's more about what works best for you. Some people find that stronger saline helps them clear out more mucus, which can be a good thing.

Just one question, what is the name of the new drug you are talking about?

No idea if my Pulmonologist can treat MAC or specializes in it. I am not in a big city so finding those kind of specialist specialists hard to do. I see him in September which is a one year plus anniversary date so I'll see whether or not he does a culture.

No idea of the name of the drug. I will get all that in September when I see the doc.

@picartist The pale green mucus can be a constant thing with Bronchiectasis. It’s not necessarily a sign of infection. If you cough up more or it changes colour and especially if it gets thick and sticky and you have other symptoms, all that might be a more accurate sign of infection.

Otherwise, it is probably chronic inflammation. I’d like to know why the chronic inflammation in mucus is coloured.

So unfortunate that some doctors don’t know that coughing up yellow / green mucus for longer than a few weeks can lead to chronic inflammation that might be a sign of other chronic conditions, like Bronchiectasis.

Many just shrug their shoulders and state that green mucus isn’t always a problem. Problem is, when it is an issue, it is often then chronic and we live with the consequences.

I am not in a big city either and must travel 4 hours to see my Pulmonologist. Perhaps you could give your present Pulmonologist office a call to check about doing a sputum culture to rule out an infection and set your mind at ease.

I see him in about a month, I'll bring it up if he doesn't.

Yes, that is what my primary care doctor said to me when I told him of the green mucus I would bring up every so often, "Not a Problem".
A year later after having lost a good amount of weight and saying something is wrong that entire year with my going into see him often that year.....he ordered the CScan....and the result....BE.
Barbara

In getting a good sputum culture one needs to know how to bring up the mucus to get a true and good specimen. You might look at videos that talk about Air Way Clearance Methods.....Active Cycle Breathing, Autogenic Drainage etc. if you are not familiar with them.
Are you doing air way clearance after the saline and Aerobika. Are you doing the saline with or without the Aerobika attached. Overall it is best to do them separate per Dr. Pamela McShane who is now at the NIH.
Barbara

I agree with cwal. If it's been a year since a culture, it's probably a good idea to get one. If you ask for order via MyChart or a phone call now, the result could be back before your appt and you and doc could discuss a plan if it's positive or be reassured if not. Just a thought. I always like as much info as possible at appt so that my questions can be addressed.
I'd encourage trying 7%. It made me cough at first, but I took it slow, sipped water and adapted.

Dr McShane's video on clearance:
https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=VEYK67nld_o