Nebulized Hypertonic Saline for Mechanically Ventilated Children

Children who need to be on a ventilator often have thick secretions/mucus in their lungs. These secretions can obstruct the breathing tube and their windpipe, which can worsen lung function and prolong the need for the ventilator. Hypertonic saline is a medicine that is used to thin out secretions in patients with cystic fibrosis (and other conditions). We hypothesize that having children on a ventilator inhale this medication will shorten the amount of time that they need to be on the ventilator.