Connect
Lung cavities
I’m 68 with Bronchiectasis. Two year ago I was diagnosed with Pseudomonas and two lung cavities. The pulmonologist has only prescribed an antibiotic for a week when I have flareups which cause me to cough up blood. I have a hard time getting phlegm up even though I use a saline nebulizer once a day. I’m pretty active but I have had at least three flareups this past year. My recent CT scan showed one of my cavities grew some ( I believe they’re only one centimeter). He’s considering doing a biopsy but told me to wait 6 months. Hearing the word biopsy worries me to think it could be something more serious.
Like
Helpful
HugInterested in more discussions like this? Go to the MAC & Bronchiectasis Support Group.
Connect
@helen1000 Please don't recommend this to others - they should consult with their own doctor before using such a large amount. The usual saline neb is one 4ml vials once or twice a day, so you are exceeding that by 2-3 times. That large amount can irritate lungs, and maybe even increase the amount of mucus lungs produce.
Have you told your docs how much/how often you are using the saline?
-
Like -
Helpful -
Hug
1 Reaction@sueinmn Yes you are right . I just follow Dr McSHane who said two vials may help better in her education video.
@sueinmn
I need to use two once a day (the other time I use one). But my pulmo ok'd it.
-
Like -
Helpful -
Hug
1 Reaction@sueinmn can nebulizing saline increase mucus production?
@reneemc I needed to look this us after your question of "can nebulizing saline increase mucus production?"
AI, again, for what it is worth said,
"Yes, nebulizing can increase mucus production, especially with hypertonic saline (HS), but its primary goal is often to thin and loosen existing mucus, making it easier to clear via cough, though some medications or irritation can lead to more mucus. Medications like acetylcysteine (NAC) are specifically designed as mucolytics to break down thick mucus, but can sometimes have side effects like increased mucus, while normal saline helps hydrate airways to improve natural clearance."
Overall, to me we are wanting to get the mucus out....and that is what the saline helps to do.....yet...how do we tell that it isn't causing more mucus production????
Barbara
@reneemc Sorry Renee, my computer burped earlier and my reply was lost.
A long time ago, my old pulmonologist's experienced nurse told me "Our lungs are meant to be bathes in mucus. Trying too hard to get rid of all of it can actually irritate the airways and cause us to produce even more."
Back then I was using levalbuterol and normal saline, but spending an hour or more every airway clearance session, and never getting rid of the mucus - I felt like an ever-flowing fountain. She cut me to 20 minutes max after the nebs, and very gradually my mucus decreased. My throat and chest were less sore. And eventually my MAC and Pseudomonas went away (about 6 years ago.)
Now my airway clearance is after exercise, with only an occasional saline neb (I'll do them faithfully this weekend and next week before and after flying). It usually takes about 10 minutes to clear my lungs, and Ihave anywhere betweena few drops and a couple teaspoons of mucus. Later in the day, I may have a few more mini-sessions if I feel the need.
Have you considered cutting back the amount of saline or length of airway clearance to see if you produce less mucus?