sodium chloride (Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center)

Aerosolized saline refers to a solution of sodium chloride delivered to the respiratory tract via nebulization. It is commonly used in two forms: isotonic (0.9% NaCl), often used as a placebo in clinical trials or for airway humidification, and hypertonic (typically 3% to 7% NaCl). Hypertonic saline acts as a mucoactive agent by creating an osmotic gradient that draws water into the airway lumen, thereby hydrating the mucus, reducing its viscosity, and improving mucociliary clearance. It is a standard supportive therapy for patients with cystic fibrosis and bronchiectasis to facilitate the expectoration of secretions. In clinical research, it is frequently employed as an aerosolized placebo or control intervention to compare against active inhaled medications.

Other names

salineaerosolized salinenormal salinehypertonic salinesodium chloride solutionNaCl solution