albuterol inhaler and mucus removal device to get mucus out

Ling, my experience suggests that absent some compelling reason to do otherwise, go with 7% It seems to me lower saline concentrations are “tiptoeing” around the problem. If unaccustomed it may initially “catch” in and tighten your throat but that will likely be transient. Report back about your results. Don (Thumperguy)

Hello Ling, Many people are told by their Pulmo. Drs to use Albuterol followed by Nebulized Saline followed by use of the Aerobika. Or you can attach the Aerobika to the nebulizer and do it at the same time. The Albuterol opens up the airways then the salt loosens the mucus and finally the Aerobika helps to expel it when used properly. I have never used Albuterol personally but most people seem to.

My Mom also has problems with a lot of white looking mucus. She had a stroke back in April 2022 and was put on Pantoprazole for all the mucus/acid reflux. I have to crush all of her meds and give them by her Peg Tube. My question is. What is causing all of this white looking mucus? Could it be allergies/ asthma? Would a nebulizer treatment help loosen up the mucus? Kathy(Percygirl)

Hello, welcome to Mayo Connect, and kudos to you for stepping up to help your Mom after her stroke. Are you her full time caregiver?

After a stroke, and with the addition of new medications, it is impossible to say what is causing your Mom's mucus. That is a question for her primary care provider (you will see it abbreviated here as PCP) based on her overall health picture.

Do you have her medical power so you can contact the provider on her behalf?
Sue

Hi thumperguy,
Many thanks for your suggestions and sharing your experience in managing the condition.It is so helpful for me  to know  what  works and what doesn't work. I will certainly let you know about my experience.
Thanks again!Ling

Hi irenea8,
Many thanks for your reply and your explanation about how this works. great tips and advice to follow.
Thanks again.
Ling

Hi percygirl247,
Sorry to hear about your mom's stroke. What a nice  daughter you are. I am glad that Sue replied to you. I am new here and learning it myself.
Best of luck!
Ling

This is precisely what i have done for years. I was severely sensitive to the saline inhalations--took months to figure this out. I suspect your pulmonologist is aware that saline irritability can be a problem.

@wangling... I use albuterol twice a day in my nebulizer with two other asthma meds. My MAC infection was in the lower right lobe and destroyed its function. Albuterol opens up the airways enough to allow the mucous to drain out, but recently I needed to add a flutter device to move the deepest mucous, since my bronchial tubes are now closing when I cough. I used to get infections when I couldn't get enough albuterol. I'm doing well now that I have a larger prescription on auto refill. I use postural drainage daily. Made it through COVID without complications. It's the right med for me.

Hi hcroom,
Thank you so much for sharing your experience. This is a wonderful news for me. Could you share the brand of the mucus device you like? I got mine from Amazon. It is great to know that you have been doing this for years, apparently it is working. How comforting that is to me. Did you avoid infections by doing this? I was wondering if I could get all the mucus out, especially the mucus at the bottom of the lungs.
Many thanks again!
Ling