Hypertonic Saline in Asthma

I participated in an asthma study today that involved nebulizing hypertonic saline at 3%, 4%, and 5% for seven minutes in length through an ultrasonic nebulizer. Prior to using the hypertonic saline I did a pretreatment of albuterol. After nebulizing each dose I was asked to clear the sputum from my lungs.  Now I feel great. I have never breathed as deeply or as well as I have this afternoon and tonight. I'm almost sad to go to sleep because I know when I wake up I will not feel this good. I have never in my life felt this good. It not only helped my breathing but it seems to have decreased my nasal allergy issues.

What I'm wondering is if hypertonic saline has ever been used in conjunction with regular asthma treatment. I am currently maxed out on allergy drugs (20 mg/day of Zyrtec, Rhinocort 2x/twice daily, Patanol 2x/day) and asthma drugs (10 mg of singulair, albuterol nebulized most days, Advair 500/50 2xday, 1 puff/twice daily of Flovent) without being on prednisone.  Clearly we don't want to add prednisone.  As a researcher (though not in a medical field), I did attempt to look studies showing some positive correlation between using hypertonic saline and a decrease in asthma symptoms but can find none. Is this a viable option? If so, would my pulmonologist have heard of this treatment?

Your thoughts please.