Do i need a prescription to buy sterile saline for a nebulizer? will it work to break up chest congestion? cough, not wheezing-don't need albuterol.

Not really: Well, looks like you've got the albuterol in case you need it. Keep in mind that sometimes the body's response to inflammed airways is a cough, so albuterol may help that as well. Sterile saline is available at any corner drug store, wal-mart, target, etc. In fact, many wound washes you find in the first-aid section are just sterile saline. Just read the bottle. Good luck, and see your doctor!