benefits of nebuliser

[vanburgh]

Hi, a recent CT scan and bronchoscopy showed some sputum plugging in the right middle lobe. It's called "right middle lobe syndrome" according to the bronchiestasis consultant and apparently is commonly seen in people with bronchiestasis. It is not of concern clinically but the consultant suggested I start some nebulised hypertonic saline. I am seeing a Respiratory Specialist Nurse on Friday for a test dose. I was wondering if anyone has experienced using this nebulised hypertonic saline and if it proved beneficial. Thanks.

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Lots of people on the forums use hypertonic saline: it can be extremely beneficial when used as an add on prior to chest clearance in any condition that causes excess sputum. My 13 yo daughter has cf, and she was started on it at the age of 2; without it, she clears very little of the rubbish in her chest day to day, so it just builds up, inviting extra exacerbations and reducing her fev1. The way it works is to draw water in to the secretions in the lungs, making them easier to mobilise and therefore improving the effectiveness of physio. The only time there can be a problem is if it causes bronchoconstriction, which is where the airways react to a substance and tighten, leading to wheeze and difficulty breathing, which is why you should be given a test dose in a supervised setting to make sure that’s not a problem. Even if some degree of constriction does occur, some people are fine if they have salbutamol immediately before (which also actually improves deposition within the lungs, even if you don’t get tight with it), and others can manage with a lower percentage of saline: hypertonic is generally available in strengths of 3, 6 and 7% sodium chloride (salt), so there are options. My daughter says the 7% does taste pretty salty, and it made her cough a bit when she was younger (which is actually half the point), but chest clearance would genuinely be almost pointless for her without it.

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Charlie_G just said it all.

[lovejoyliz]

Hello Vanburgh,

Yes, definitely make use of a Nebulizer and saline solution, I use one from my own GP called PulmoClear 0.9% solution used twice daily, you would need 3 boxes for a months supply. It works very well in thinning out the mucus and making it easier to bring up. It has worked very well for me.

Hope you feel better soon

Lovejoy

[Lfcpremier]

I use 7%saline..started with hypertonic 0.9% but not strong enough for me so moved to stronger one. Good luck!

[wheezyof]

I was diagnosed with bronchiectasis nearly 7 years ago ~(and a small airways disease at a later date).

I had difficulty shifting the excess mucus. Tried a drug for it but that caused projectile vomiting: not much fun.

I was proscribed a flutter, a gadget with a heavy ball to blow through, that helped a bit.

I was in hospital last year. I was issued a nebuliser and saline. It was brilliant.

I was given one to use at home, it's made a lot of difference. By using my ventolin, nebulising, the flutter and the breathing cycle I'm now clearing mucus without exhausting myself.

BTW, I used to live near Vanburgh castle, any connection?

[vanburgh in reply to wheezyof]

No connection to Vanburgh castle. What % of saline do you use?

[wheezyof]

0.9%. I nebulise 5mls twice a day. x

[Patk1]

Yes it lopsens mucous.the important thing is to clear chest at least 2x day,more if meed to