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How did nebulizing with saline affect you?
I'm interested in knowing more about people's experience with nebulizing with either 3% or 7% saline. What differences do you notice when you compare symptoms before and after starting your regime? My pulmo doc says there's no good research indicating nebulizing is helpful, and believes flutter valve (aerobika) will do more. (I've watched the video presentation on nebulizing someone in this group recommended.) I'm particularly curious about the experience of those who cleared MAC infection and used nebulizing post treatment--and continued to test negative.
I don't have asthma and have never produced much sputum. Since a bronchoscopy in May (showing high levels of infection and some blood) and starting the big 3 five weeks later, I've produced none and almost never cough, never have coughed up blood, etc. Have had BE and MAC for at least 15 years.
Thank you all! This group is very helpful.
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I use the 7% alone. If other things are added, it changes the concentration.
Were you told that about normal saline 0.9% or the 3 or 7%. I think the normal saline is commonly used for mixing, but the 3 and 7, I think, is generally used as stand alone nebs..
I’m relieved to say I did have three negative sputum cultures on this recent round of testing done in June. The sputum cultures were collected on three consecutive days, as we know standard protocol for testing for MAC ( and other NTM I assume).
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4 ReactionsHi Jenny
Sorry if this is a repeat reply. I don't use anything other than the 4ml of 7% saline when I nebulize. Perhaps you were advised to add something to open your airways when nebulizing? Also, some folks find the 7% saline irritating to their lungs and use a lesser concentration, such as 3%.
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2 ReactionsPulmonary said to use Albuterol after. But maybe you’re right about the airways. But you did answer my question. So thank you.
Congratulations Lisa! I have/had M. Abscessus. I was under the opinion that the sputum culture should be at minimum of 30 days apart and 3 negative cultures before deemed "culture conversion".
I sure hope I'm wrong. I will revisit that. The 2 (or was it 3) samples collected on 2 or 3 consecutive days were all negative in May when I was at NJH. My doctor had messaged me and told me those were all negative. I'm still waiting on the July culture (I sent to NJH) and they did an August culture when I was there last week. I would celebrate but last week the doctor told me the recurrence and mostly reinfection is 50% for MABs. I replied: "surely, it's better than that for those who nebulize 2x/day." That part was discouraging.
The day my PULM told me I tested positive for NTM was when he insisted, I start nebulizing with 7%. Within days, I had the compressor and nebulizer. My local ID doctor said I could go to 3% which I did. A few months later, I went to NJH (one of the leading BE/NTM Clinics in the US) and the ID doctor there seriously stressed I go back on the 7%. I don't see myself ever stopping nebulizing with 7% saline, maybe cut back-but still do some form of airway clearance daily.
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2 ReactionsI have MAC, not abscessus. Sounds like the protocols for testing are different. Fingers crossed for you!
I'm on 3% sodium chloride along with my levelbuteral and it works well for me. It helps clear my airways very well.