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Hello All:
I'm new to this group. At age 70-plus, I'm having my first bout of breathing problems. I visited with a pulmonologist this week, who changed my inhaler (to Symbicort) and also gave me an Aerobika. I've just tried the Aerobika for the first time, and I'm not sure if it helped loosen the mucus yet. My diagnosis is still uncertain. It may be asthma triggered by an upper respiratory infection, or it may be bronchiectasis. More testing needs to be done.
My question is about the Aerobika. Does it always bring up the mucus right away, or does it take a while before you notice any difference? Right now, I'm using an Advair inhaler and an Albuterol inhaler. (I'm waiting for insurance's OK for the Symbicort.) Should I use the Aerobika after using the inhaler? Will that make a difference? My next question involves using Symbicort. The doctor said it could be used for both maintenance and as a rescue inhaler. Has anyone used it for both?
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@hopeful33250 Hi Teresa - Welcome to my world!
Yes, Symbicort is used both for rescue and maintenance, except in the case of an extreme attack, then we resort to the nebulizer with albuterol and sometimes a nebulized or inhaled steroid. If you insurance company refuses the name brand, there is a lower-priced competitor called Breyna, and a generic version called Formoterol/Budesonide (this is the one my insurance approved.) I have used all three and find no difference between them. Two cautions, use with a spacer - like Aerochamber or Vortex - to get the medication into you lungs, and not in your mouth. My pulmonologist provides them twice a year, or you can get via Rx at the pharmacy or without an Rx on-line. And rinse your mouth thoroughly after using to avoid getting thrush.
Second, store the inhaler upright and shake hard before using. For some reason, it will stop working otherwise. If this happens, a couple good whacks on the counter followed by vigorous shaking usually fixes it. If not, return it to your pharmacy for replacement.
Now the Aerobika - yes, use it after the inhaler. It is a good idea to wait 10-15 minutes to give it time to take effect. When you use it, make sure you feel your chest vibrating, and not your cheeks. The frequency of vibration is also adjustable with the little gizmo on the back. Here is a YouTube video for using it.
After 5-10 breaths with the Aerobika, you will need to "huff cough" to move the mucus - here is a youtube describing the process:
After using, the device needs to be taken apart, soaked in dish detergent and hot water (I use anti-bacterial Dawn), rinsed and air dried. Ask your doctor if you should be sterilizing it periodically (depends on your lung condition and infection risk.)
I get better airway clearance with exercise after Symbicort, then huff coughing if the mucus doesn't come up on its own. Yoga, fast walking, rigorous house or yard work all work for me.
Let me know if you need more suggestions - I have lived with Asthma for many years, Bronchiectasis for the past 8 years (at least.)