1. < MAC & Bronchiectasis

Percussion Vest and Nebulizer: Do you use both, one or the other?

Posted by thumperguy @thumperguy, Dec 11, 2020

I'm under the impression that some participants on the forum inhale nebulized saline solution and some use a percussion vest, and some do both simultaneously. I've become curious as to whether the "Vest" actually adds significantly to the overall benefit of the treatment. My concern is that the vest may be exacerbating back woes. Maddeningly, some days I'm convinced it is; some days I think it's all in my head (i.e., "back in head" disease).

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spider109 | @spider109 | Aug 24, 2022
In reply to @sueinmn "I wouldn't worry damage from a bronchodilator, as long as you do it as directed. You..." + (show)
@sueinmn

I wouldn't worry damage from a bronchodilator, as long as you do it as directed. You are actually giving your lungs a break by relaxing the airways and making it less of a struggle to breathe.
If you have an inhaler, you could use it before the saline, instead of 2 nebs. Opening the airway will bring up even more mucus.
Keep up the clearance - it will help keep you from getting the next lung infection.
Sue

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Thank/you For your input. I will definitely try the inhaler also, anything to control the mucus accumulation the better

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Brenda R. | @brigby | Aug 25, 2022

I put on my vest, nebulize 20 deep breaths, then hang over the side of the bed face down (postural drainage) and cough as much as I can. I always stretch/warm up my back prior with Yoga….or pay the price after! LOL

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1 reply
sweethighland | @sweethighland | Aug 25, 2022
In reply to @brigby "I put on my vest, nebulize 20 deep breaths, then hang over the side of the..." + (show)
@brigby

I put on my vest, nebulize 20 deep breaths, then hang over the side of the bed face down (postural drainage) and cough as much as I can. I always stretch/warm up my back prior with Yoga….or pay the price after! LOL

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Thank you Brenda R. Do you do these process first thing in the morning you wake up or middle of the day?

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cared | @cared | Oct 14, 2022

I use a combination of vest and nebulizer twice daily. Lately my phlegm includes blood. I was diagnosed with MAC in 2017 and treated for 18 months. My last culture confirmed MAC has returned. The blood is very disturbing. Anybody else coughing blood?

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1 reply
Mentor
Sue, Volunteer Mentor | @sueinmn | Oct 14, 2022
In reply to @cared "I use a combination of vest and nebulizer twice daily. Lately my phlegm includes blood. I..." + (show)
@cared

I use a combination of vest and nebulizer twice daily. Lately my phlegm includes blood. I was diagnosed with MAC in 2017 and treated for 18 months. My last culture confirmed MAC has returned. The blood is very disturbing. Anybody else coughing blood?

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Coughing blood, along with the indication that MAC has returned, would disturb me too! Repeatedly coughing blood can be an indication of cavitary MAC, so more exploration sounds like it might be warranted?

What does the pulmonologist have to say? Considering treatment again? Have they done a CT to see what is going on in your lungs?

Sue

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1 reply
cared | @cared | Oct 14, 2022
In reply to @sueinmn "Coughing blood, along with the indication that MAC has returned, would disturb me too! Repeatedly coughing..." + (show)
@sueinmn

Coughing blood, along with the indication that MAC has returned, would disturb me too! Repeatedly coughing blood can be an indication of cavitary MAC, so more exploration sounds like it might be warranted?

What does the pulmonologist have to say? Considering treatment again? Have they done a CT to see what is going on in your lungs?

Sue

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Thank you for acknowledging my concerns. Bright red blood has been an on again-off-again problem for a year or more. The pulmonologist says to watch for the quantity and if it amounts to a tablespoon go to the emergency room. She believes it might be coming from a broken blood vessel due to excess coughing. My July CAT scan showed no embolism but several new nodules and clustered (tree-in-bud nodules. "Findings would favor chronic bronchopneumonia likely related to MAC."This last week the blood is darker and thicker. I am trying to get an appointment with my Infectious Disease doctor next week. Since I am 79, I'm debating on starting treatment again or just treating flare-ups. Any suggestions? I was wondering if the nebulizer was causing airwaves irritation and thus the bleeding?

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1 reply
kayekuz@kayekuz | @kaykuz | Oct 14, 2022
In reply to @cared "Thank you for acknowledging my concerns. Bright red blood has been an on again-off-again problem for..." + (show)
@cared

Thank you for acknowledging my concerns. Bright red blood has been an on again-off-again problem for a year or more. The pulmonologist says to watch for the quantity and if it amounts to a tablespoon go to the emergency room. She believes it might be coming from a broken blood vessel due to excess coughing. My July CAT scan showed no embolism but several new nodules and clustered (tree-in-bud nodules. "Findings would favor chronic bronchopneumonia likely related to MAC."This last week the blood is darker and thicker. I am trying to get an appointment with my Infectious Disease doctor next week. Since I am 79, I'm debating on starting treatment again or just treating flare-ups. Any suggestions? I was wondering if the nebulizer was causing airwaves irritation and thus the bleeding?

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When I cough up blood it is usually the beginning of a flare up. Last summer I wasn't having a flare up but was coughing up blood. The doctor said to cut back on the sodium chloride 7% to once a day.
That was the problem.
Do you use 7%? If so, give it a try.

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