Bronchiectasis: Is nebulizing helpful?
Hi guys, hope I am posting this right. I have had bronchiectasis and have been nebulizing for two years now. A friend recently visited and said she has a history of pneumonia seven times and saw bronchiectasis on her scan. However, she does not nebulize. I was pretty surprised. Makes me wonder, is mine worse that hers on an xray? Is her doc remiss in not ordering her to nebulize? Does not everyone nebulize who has bronchiectasis? Any thoughts? Thanks so much.
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Toni - Every time I think "I don't need to neb" reality smacks me on the head with increased fatigue, coughing or other symptoms. I find that nebbing does a far better job of loosening secretions than the inhaler, and I bring up more "junk." This is obvious when I skip nebbing for a few days (still doing inhalers and airway clearance) and I cough up thick clots after each of the first few nebs, then the secretions thin again.
Sue
I just wish my pulmy wasn't so closed minded. Actuality, I've been thinking of trying to find another doctor who is perhaps more informed. It always irritates me when a doctor isn't "open" to various methodologies . Thank you for your experience and sharing, Sue !
My first pulmonologist "fired" me as a patient when I asked for a co-consult with the ID doc (in the same practice). Best thing that could have happened to me - ID doc referred me to a like-minded pulmonologist and the 3 of us make a good team. They feel comfortable consulting my primary and National Jewish Health (NJH) to get the best plan for me.
It may take a bit of calling around to find the best person - or ask here, based on where you live.
Sue
Thank you….I try my best…..doesn’t always work, but you also have a wonderful, positive attitude😊
Toni, the overarching issue here is “does your inhaler deliver a vapor which includes 7% saline? (which I suspect is unlikely.) If it doesn’t the vapor is almost surely impotent against Mycobacterium Avian Complex (MAC) infections. Investigate “nebulizing 7% saline solution elsewhere on this forum. Don
Well Spensersok, somehow from a purely intuitive point of view I favor “pre-meal.” That preference would advance to the 2nd power if a percussion vest was involved. Our natural post-meal peristalsis might not welcome intrusive visitors. Don
Hi Sue, was wondering if I should use two cups when I nebulize. Budesonide .5 milligrams and sodium chloride 3%. I nebulize one after the other and think will one cup work in that its going right into my lungs.
Thanks, Hauoli
I use the same cup then wash. What does everyone else do?
Yeah, as a Profession you guys do have a reputation for bulletproof egos. Don
I admire that you have dealt with this illness for such a long time and have a sense of humor about it. I haven't been a year and the thought that this illness is a long, long haul. That this will affect the way I approach life physically and mentally. I thank all of you for informing me as to the experiencing that one goes through. My latest observation is weight loss,
loss of appetite and fatigue. My cooking seems so boring.