1. < MAC & Bronchiectasis

What is considered successful Airway clearance?

Posted by ClaireW @katlan, Feb 13, 2022

I was diagnosed with severe bronchiectasis last May; and subsequently MAC in October. I’ve had no PT for airway clearance; but purchased an areobica on my own, after researching the importance of this when googling the disease. I did have a pulmonary specialist; but he referred me to an Infectious Disease doctor who is still to start me on the big 3..I have appointment 25th as they are awaiting sensitivity tests. So; I’ve been doing airway clearance once a day. I did try a couple of times a day; but with nothing productive when I’d try it a second time later in the day. I apologize ahead of time if the question I’m about to ask is a bit gross. How much stuff that I’m able to hock/huff/cough up is sufficient in a session? I can usually get between 2 to 4 tablespoons. With both clear, and thick yellow stuff. Is it okay that I’m only doing it once a day? Should I keep trying sessions at different times throughout the day to try to get more out?? I had watched a video from I don’t recall the source; but it said that with bronchiectsis you bring up cups and cups of fluid from the lungs when you have bronchiectasis.

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dlynn1210 | @dlynn1210 | Dec 5, 2022
In reply to @bluesplashgirl "After all these years struggling with MAC and never knowing about chest clearance I found this..." + (show)
@bluesplashgirl

After all these years struggling with MAC and never knowing about chest clearance I found this helpful video.
https://youtu.be/vz2ruFd7d8s
I also use a dry salt inhaler throughout the day, NealMed with sterile water to keep away from nasal drip, and I elevated the head of my bed 4" since I have GERDS. The last two sputum test are finally clear (off the meds). Fingers crossed.
Best to stay clear in any way that helps you to do so.
Good luck!

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I would like to know more about dry salt inhalers such as type and effectiveness. Thank you.

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2 replies
@ling | @wangling | Dec 5, 2022
In reply to @sharcros "I was diagnosed 5 years ago with Bonchiectisis/MAC and opted to hold off on the 3..." + (show)
@sharcros

I was diagnosed 5 years ago with Bonchiectisis/MAC and opted to hold off on the 3 medications. It’s been a journey of ups and downs with alternative options but my health has improved. I have not had positive sputum tests for MAC in the last few years. Sometimes I wonder if the first test was a mistake but looking back I’m glad I continued to ask for sputum tests to see what was happening.

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Hi sharcros,
What a success story. Good news for all the people who have MAC.
What are the alternative options you took?
Thanks for sharing! Best luck!

Ling

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irenea8 | @irenea8 | Dec 6, 2022

Claire if you really have severe level of Bronchiectasis then I would nebulize with Saline twice a day routinely and not worry about how much mucus comes up each time. My second nebulizing usually brings up very little but I still think it is important to do it routinely. I am not sure what video you watched but I have never heard of bringing up cups and cups of mucus! I have heard that 5 ounces is considered a sign of more severe Bronchiectasis. But my pulmonologist says the best measure of how severe is to do a Pulmonary Function Test.

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irenea8 | @irenea8 | Dec 6, 2022
In reply to @dlynn1210 "I would like to know more about dry salt inhalers such as type and effectiveness. Thank..." + (show)
@dlynn1210

I would like to know more about dry salt inhalers such as type and effectiveness. Thank you.

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I used to use one before I learned about Nebulizing Saline. It was not all that effective and no way to keep it sterile.

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1 reply
dlynn1210 | @dlynn1210 | Dec 6, 2022
In reply to @irenea8 "I used to use one before I learned about Nebulizing Saline. It was not all that..." + (show)
@irenea8

I used to use one before I learned about Nebulizing Saline. It was not all that effective and no way to keep it sterile.

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Thank you!

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BlueSplashGirl/ Carolyn | @bluesplashgirl | Dec 6, 2022
In reply to @dlynn1210 "I would like to know more about dry salt inhalers such as type and effectiveness. Thank..." + (show)
@dlynn1210

I would like to know more about dry salt inhalers such as type and effectiveness. Thank you.

Jump to this post

Dry salt inhaler is made by Nevelers. You can see it on their website and on Amazon. The results are strictly anecdotal and not medically supported. With that said, I quit nebulizing when a cavity was found in my right lobe and was growing. I switched to dry salt. My cavity collapsed within 3 months and the surgery was canceled. Coincidence? Maybe. I just didn’t feel that cold, wet mist inhaled into my lungs was doing me any good. So read about it and make your own decision. Best of luck to everyone.

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