Albuterol and long term side effects

Posted by lorrainewenn @lorrainewenn, Dec 17 9:04am

I’ve been diagnosed withMAC and bronchiectasis for 2 years. Not on the big 3. I take 2 puffs of albuterol and nebulize with 7% saline twice a day. I also try to do postural drainage once a day. The past month, I developed negative side effects from the albuterol which I never experienced before, dizziness/vertigo, headaches , increased blood pressure and heaviness in my head like sinus congestion. I had to stop the postural drainage as it caused vertigo. I switched to levalbuterol and was better for a day but the same side effects resumed.
I’m now doing my ACT without the albuterol and wanted to know if this has happened to anyone. Also, can we move mucus effectively without albuterol? I exercise daily so that is helping.
Any advice is appreciated!
Lorraine

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robot | @robot | Dec 20 1:12am

In reply to @lorrainewenn "@robot What kind of monitor?" + (show)

Aerobika with manometer

robot | @robot | Dec 20 10:18am

In reply to @sueinmn "@robot How do you clean and sterilize it?" + (show)

@sueinmn
Pour hot distilled water into medicine bottle. Press the 5 minute automatic cleaning button.
When finished cleaning rinse with distilled water and remove cap to place on clean paper towel to air dry.
Clean mouthpiece - rinse with distilled water & wipe with 70% alcohol & rinse with distilled water & air dry on clean paper towel

NTM Info & Research just sent out this notice:
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Patients are trapped in a cycle of fear and confusion, overwhelmed with unclear and often contradictory information on sterilization methods, many of which have never been validatedin the laboratory against the NTM strains that impact patients most.We're changing that with science.
As you read this, Drs. Joe Falkinham and Jennifer Hondaare testing patient cleaning methods in their labs, work that will produce the first ever data-driven guidance on safely maintaining their equipment. We're testing bottled water, boiling times, and sterilization techniques so patients can finally have the answers they need.

becleartoday | @becleartoday | Dec 21 7:15am

The Aerobika with a manometer is not available at most medical supply companies. One company that carries it is Tampa Specialty Pharmacy. However, you will need a prescription as they follow FDA requirements.

debrat | @debrat | Dec 21 8:57am

I came down with a lung infection and started nebulizing with Albuteral. Same side effects you had Lorraine. So I stopped using it. The Levaquin also made me feel that way. I have Bronchiectasis and Mac.

susann | @susannesemann | Dec 21 10:54am

Hi all, I’ve been following this blog for about 3 months now and have found it SO helpful. I was diagnosed with MAC & bronchiectasis in July 2025 after a ER visit, hospitalization, bronchoscope and culture & sensitivity. I was started on daily Azithromycin, Ethambutol & Rifampin (weight based dosing) in September. And am nebulizing albuterol & 7% saline twice day. Last week I was experiencing, burning in upper chest, pressure HA’s, dry mouth, extreme thirst, dizziness, weakness & insomnia. I went to my PCP and contacted my ID doc. Thanks to this post I figured out that it was most likely caused by my Albuterol. I’ve since cut back to 1/2 dose morning Albuterol (with consent of my pulmonologist) and am feeling better. I still nebulizer the 7% saline twice a day. Thank you!!

lorrainewenn | @lorrainewenn | Dec 21 11:26am

In reply to @debrat "I came down with a lung infection and started nebulizing with Albuteral. Same side effects you..." + (show)

@debrat
Thank you for commenting. I feel so much better after stopping Albuterol. I’m able to move mucus without it so I’m going to keep nebulizing with 7% saline. Hopefully I can keep MAC at a minimum without the big Three.

detsdum | @detsdum | Dec 21 1:27pm

In reply to @becleartoday "The Aerobika with a manometer is not available at most medical supply companies. One company that..." + (show)

@becleartoday Earlier this year I purchased an Aerobika with Manometer from Medical Mega.com. No prescription required. They currently list it for $95.58.

debrat | @debrat | Dec 21 3:02pm

In reply to @lorrainewenn "@debrat Thank you for commenting. I feel so much better after stopping Albuterol. I’m able to..." + (show)

@lorrainewenn
I was on the Big 3 for a year, then tested negative and 4 months later I had MAC again. Very frustrating.
My pulmonologist doesn’t want to put me on the Big 3 at this time, but we’ll see what happens when I get my next ct scan.