[Inhalation of hypertonic saline: a promising therapy in bronchiectasis].

BACKGROUND: Accumulation of mucus into the lungs in bronchiectasis lowers the patients' quality of life. Hypertonic aerosols stimulate the removal of mucus.

MATERIAL AND METHODS: 37 bronchiectasis patients without cystic fibrosis inhaled 4 ml of a 6 per cent saline solution twice a day for three months. Amount of coughs, PEF values and oxygen saturation associated with the first inhalation were measured. Quality of life was assessed by the SGRQ (St George's Respiratory Questionnaire).

RESULTS: Inhalation did not decrease oxygen saturation but did lower slightly the PEF value. SGRQ score decreased by 9.2 points on the average (p = 0.002) indicating clinically significant improvement in quality of life.

CONCLUSIONS: Hypertonic saline inhalations in patients with brochiectasis are safe and may also improve quality of life.