Saline Nebs

Could someone tell me what saline nebs are supposed to do please? During my recent admission they used them regularly (as well as salbutamol and atrovent nebs) but haven't continued them or anything similar - I just wondered what their purpose was as it was never explained?

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Dear Ratty

I use saline nebs daily, it helps thin out mucus to make it easier to cough up. I find it also has a nice soothing effect on generally irritated airways between other medicated nebs.

[yaf_user681_15459]

We've started saline nebs with Maddie too. It helps her cough up. Although apparently the effect is short lived (approx 20mins). I used one the other night when I felt congested and it definately helped.

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Can depend on what strength of saline you take. The usual strength is 0.9%w/v & can be used to dilute other meds or to help you clear your chest. Not sure how but I think it's down to making the air you breathe more humid. I never normally wheeze unless I'm really bad but constantly cough or have the urge to cough. My consultant has put me on 7% saline to make me cough & help get all the crap off my chest to hopefully reduce the number of infections. This is one of the strengths they use if you do challenge tests & i believe is commonly used in cystic fibrosis treatment. I've found it really helpful & still use the lower strength to help soothe my airways if they are feeling very dry. Was so good after flying or if being in air conditioning for too long.

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I use saline nebs on a daily basis. As others have said it helps to fluidify the mucus in the lungs therefore helping to cough up. Also, since saline is sometimes used as a sort of disinfectant for ulcers or wounds on the skin etc. So i was wondering if maybe the saline could help to sort of disinfect the oungs thus avoiding some infections or nipping them in the bud before one.would.otherwise be able.to. Maybe even before any of the symptoms appear? Anyone else have any ideas about this last theory?