Nebulized saline treatment in patients with concomitant asthma and bronchiectasis

<b>Introduction:</b> Asthma is frequently associated with bronchiectasis, with the consequent increase in the number of exacerbations. Treatment with nebulized saline solution (NSS) has shown to&nbsp;improve exacerbations and FEV1 in subjects with bronchiectasis&nbsp;(BQ)&nbsp;not associated with Cystic Fibrosis. Its use in patients with asthma and concomitant BQ,&nbsp;and its&nbsp;effect&nbsp;over asthma exacerbations and control&nbsp;has not been explored yet. <b>Methods:</b> We performed a retrospective study in patients&nbsp;with asthma and BQ from our clinic,&nbsp;treated with&nbsp;NSS at 0.9% (saline), 3%, 5% and 7%. We collected demographic and clinical variables, one year before and after treatment. Using SPSS, a descriptive, frequency and comparative analysis was carried out. <b>Results:</b> We studied 13 patients with asthma and BQ (84,6 % women,&nbsp;mean age of 66,85 years; 76,9% with chronic rhinosinusitis; 100% had daily expectoration, mainly mucopurulent). 46,2% used 0.9% NSS and 53,8% hypertonic NSS (mostly 7%).&nbsp;All of them&nbsp;used high-flow jet nebulizers. A 53,8% reported a decrease in the amount and purulence of sputum. Only 15,4% had bronchospasm. In the subgrup analysis, an improvement&nbsp;in ACT after hypertonic solution was observed (p&lt;0.05).&nbsp;In comparation with saline solution, we found&nbsp;a tendency to improve ACT, use of corticosteroids and antibiotics. Patients with NSS 0,9%&nbsp;improved FVC after treatment (p&lt;0.05).&nbsp;We didn´t find&nbsp;significant differences in FEV1. <b>Conclusion:</b> NSS reduced quantity and purulence of sputum, being well tolerated. ACT improved after use of hypertonic solution. In our sample, NSS at 0.9% improved FVC after treatment. NSS may be useful in asthma and concomitant bronchiectasis. Due to our small sample, further investigations are needed.