salt inhalaters

[falconcottage1]

Hi. I have heard that salt inhalation will help with the effects on bronchiectasis. Do I need a humidifier which u can put salt water in?

[Hidden]

Some of us nebulise hypertonic saline, have you ever tried it?

[Jeanielee1 in reply to Hidden]

Is this prescribed by GP ?

[falconcottage1 in reply to Hidden]

No. What do u need to do that? I was diagnosed 4 years ago and I am just now starting to bring up mucos. I am seeing the COPD nurse later this month but I feel like I should be doing something to help myself. Do u need a prescription for this?

[Hidden in reply to falconcottage1]

Hi again falconcottage. Why are you seeing a copd nurse? Unless it's very mild, bronch should be managed by a consultant who is a specialist in either bronch &/or adult cystic fibrosis. Not a GP & definitely not a nurse!

You can only get hypertonic saline (7% concentration), on prescription, usually on the recommendation of a consultant, as you need a trial run under the supervision of a hospital physio - some people find it makes them too wheezy.) It did me at first, but I've got used to it. I use ventolin beforehand. It's VERY effective at shifting my thick, sticky mucus.

A 2005 study was the first to find it effective in bronch, & a follow-up confirmed it improves our lung function & quality of life too sciencedirect.com/science/a...

I'm concerned you're not helped to manage your bronch properly. I get loads of help, so should you. Have you seen a physio, to be taught how to clear your lungs? This is absolutely CRUCIAL to staying well. So, at the very least your GP should refer you to a specialist consultant who can review your treatment & arrange for you to see a physiotherapist. If you need to know more, send me a message. I've lots of information. You say below, you feel helpless & just waiting to deteriorate - NO! neither is true. I and others here will help you take control. Just because cf kids are worse off, doesn't mean you must put up with this. I feel sure you can get better with the right help!

[falconcottage1 in reply to Hidden]

Thanks for your reply. The gp wants a batterie of tests doing before i see the consultant. I am having the tests including fating bloods done today.

[sassy59]

Hi, l managed to buy my hubby a salt pipe from Amazon and it included salt. He uses it 3 times a day for around 5 minutes each time. Not sure if Pete will benefit as early days but many do.

Perhaps do some online research and see what you think. Good luck.Xxx

[tbeth]

I nebulize hypertonic saline and it helps my bronchiectasis.

Beth

[Mandy6513]

If you type salt caves/ salt pipes in the search box at the top right of the page it will bring up old posts that members have written about these....Many members swear by them which i cant comment on as i havnt but i do have several Himalayan rock salt lamps in my home

[sportsbank]

I've only had my salt pipe for a week bought it of amazon for £20 with 2 cannisters of salt crystals.I seem to be walking a bit further without stopping for breath hope it continues.

[Nikkers]

Hi Falconcottage1. I have had Bronchiectasis since I was 2 years old and would try anything if I thought it would help. I read about salt inhalation a while ago and bought a salt pipe. Tried it for a good while but it never made any difference to me at all. That's not to say it won't help others, and as they're quite cheap it may be worth a try. Good luck. XX

[falconcottage1 in reply to Nikkers]

I feel for u having had it for that long. Sometimes when I feel low I think of the children with cystic fibrosis and give myself a talking to. It is always there though isn't it? I feel as though I am helpless and can do nothing but wait to deteriorate.

[2malinka]

Don't know if it is just me but both times I tried a salt pipe, I felt even worse and once ended up with a chest infection. Of course the infection may have been coincidental.

Just goes to show that although we suffer from a similar illness we all react differently when it comes to remedies!

Take care

Malinka

[dknapier54]

It helped me but I also use oil of oregano, juice raw radish to drink each morning,eat lots of raw veggies and fruit and raw organic honey....I also thank God for his love and his healing power over all disease's.. My copd has greatly improve....best of luck.....

[sarcoid123]

I have a lot of mucus in my lungs. I nebulise 6% hypertonic saline solution, prescribed from the doctor - use one capsule each morning and evening. You can buy a nebuliser on the internet or talk to your doctor. I don't think you should make your own salt solution. The nebuliser with the 6% hypertonic saline solution produces a mist which you inhale through a tube in your mouth - the mist loosens the mucus which I cough up into a plastic pot so I can see the colour. White is OK, yellow or green means you have an infection and need to see the doctor. I then do physiotherapy called Active Cycle of Breathing Technique, also known as huffing (lots of information on the internet) to cough up the mucus which has been loosened. If I don't do the nebulising and ACBT each morning and evening the mucus causes me to cough a lot, especially when I lie down.

You need to wash out the inhaling part/mouthpiece of the nebuliser with soapy water and rinse and dry after each use. I also use baby bottle steriliser tablets dissolved in water.

Hope this helps.

[falconcottage1 in reply to sarcoid123]

How do u cope with it? I just dread getting to that stage.

[ennabell]

Hello, Just to tell you I was given a nebuliser by the respiratory physio and prescribed the saline by the GP at her request. I have found this a great help as it gets rid of the muscus and has kept me infection free for many months which is the main idea. I am delighted with this result. It is also wonderful for keeping my sinuses clear.

Ennabelle

[ericwood992]

I use a saline (salt solution) nasal inhaler regularly (twice each day) to clear nasal congestion and I think this helps my bronchiectasis. It's available over the counter from all good chemists under the name of Sterimar. Very convenient to use.