Related Experiment Video
Updated: May 25, 2026

Intranasal Administration of CNS Therapeutics to Awake Mice
Published on: April 8, 2013
[Inhalation of hypertonic saline: a promising therapy in bronchiectasis]
Heikki Koskela1, Minna Purokivi
1Kuopion Yliopistollinen Sairaala, Keuhkosairauksien Klinikka.
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.
Related Concept Videos
Acute Respiratory Failure-V
Ensure that patients are monitored continuously for their response to therapy, including changes in...
Inhaled Medications
COPD: Management Using Bronchodilators and Corticosteroids
Drugs Used in Lower Respiratory Disorders: Overview
Bronchodilators, the first step of respiration enhancement, come in various forms, each with its own mechanism...
Antiasthma Drugs: β2-Adrenoceptor Agonists
One class of bronchodilators includes β2-adrenoceptor agonists. These agents target the β2-adrenoceptors located on bronchial smooth muscle cells. By stimulating these receptors, β2-agonists induce relaxation in these...
Endoscopic Studies II: Thoracocentesis
Description
Excess pleural fluid or air may accumulate in some respiratory disorders in the thoracic cavity. To treat pleural effusion, a physician conducts thoracentesis by carefully piercing the chest wall and entering...
