Discussions

Is a salty taste normal?

February 22, 2023

In: General Discussion

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I just joined this forum. I am 67 years old, and was diagonosed with bronchiectasis about 5 months ago. I use a nebulizer twice daily, 7% Hypersal and it seems I taste salt in my mouth and on my lips throughout the day and was wondering if anyone else experienced that?

Latest Activity: February 23, 2023

Replies

Ksmiles123

Hello Maxie,

Welcome to the site. Yes, many experience a similar taste since .7% is basically a salt based solution. The salt helps loosen up the mucus.
Please post any questions you may have.

Latest Activity: February 22, 2023

Comments

Maxie

Thank you, that helps. This is all new.

Latest Activity: February 22, 2023

Mike Hess, RRT (COPDF Senior Director of Public Outreach and Education)

Agreed! Your body is used to having a salt level around 0.9%...that's how much salt is in your blood, for example. When you use a concentration of salt that is much higher (like the 7% in your solution), it basically draws water from surrounding tissue into the extra-salty area (in this case, the phlegm/mucus in your lungs). The extra water thins out the mucus and makes it easier to cough out, but some of the extra salt can collect in your mouth, giving you that salty flavor.

Latest Activity: February 23, 2023

ChristinaH

@Maxie so glad that you felt comfortable posting this question. As you are just beginning this journey, feel free to continue to post questions that come up. We are here for you!

Latest Activity: February 23, 2023

Ksmiles123

Made an error above, it is 7% not .7 Katie

Latest Activity: February 23, 2023

Maxie

Thank you for your reply, it's so helpful to me. @@Mike Hess, RRT (COPDF Senior Director of Public Outreach and Education)

Latest Activity: February 23, 2023

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