I’ve had a 5% drop in my FEV1 from 28% to 23%. I have fairly recently been using inhaled saline twice a day to help with clearance. I just had a quick “google”...(dangerous I know😱) but it appears the use of inhaled saline could have a derogatory effect on FEV1.
Any thoughts? If so, any alternatives recommended for assistance with clearance other than inhaled saline?
Thanks in advance 😊 xx
Hypertonic saline can cause a spasm reaction as they call it which because it narrows the airways, can lead to a temporary drop in FEV 1. That is why they test how you react before prescribing it. In the good old days bronch docs used to say that it was only for copd. Too strong for bronch. Now many bronchs find it useful to loosen mucus.I still nebulise isotonic saline which suits me fine and has not had any effect on my FEV1 although I don't fixate on that anyway, only how I feel. I don't know whether you have copd or bronch but I would say be guided by how helpful it is and how you feel rather than the numbers which are the result of one test at a particular time.
That’s interesting. I wasn’t tested, I just asked my COPD nurse if she thought it would be a good idea to try to help with clearance. So, here I am! I only thought I’d mention it as I’ve not had a drop in my FEV1 since diagnosis ably 10 years ago & it just seemed a bit coincidental. Thank you so much for your feedback. Really helpful as always 😊 xx
Unsure how long you have been diagnosed, COPD / Chronic Bronchitis ? Bronchiectasis? if you are producing a lot of mucus, in normal cicumstances you would be referred to respiratory physio for instruction in the ACB (Active Cycle of Breathing) techniques to help clear mucus. Perhaps you are already familiar with this. Run it by your respiratory nurse if she thinks the technique will help you instead of the saline nebs.
If not you or others may appreciate this video:
youtube.com/watch?v=XvorhwG...
Drinking plenty of water helps keeps the mucus thin and more easily coughed up along with carbocisteine.
I was diagnosed with COPD about 10 years ago. I have asthma & emphysema also. I do breathing exercises and drink plenty of water but I still struggle to fully clear my lungs, specifically in the mornings. The saline really helped but I’m now worried it’s actually doing more harm than good. I’ll chat to my Copd nurse about carbocisteine... I’d not heard of that.Thank you 😊
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Use of nebulisers 
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Clearing of lungs after Bronchiestasis infection
