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Timing of nebulizing - before or after meals
Hi all,
My husband, who has Bronchiectasis, is currently testing negative for MAC following 11 months of killer antibiotics, which have been suspended after they came way too close to ending him over this past summer.
He nebulizes with albuterol followed by 7% saline twice a day. Some of the comments within discussions that I have seen in this group suggest that there be a 2-3 hour time lag before or after a meal, before nebulizing. The same was suggested on timing of sputum collection for culture purposes.
His ID/Pulmonology team at Johns Hopkins have never provided any advice on the subject. Since we have gotten most of our knowledge and survival tips from this group, what are the best practice options you have found to be most workable? Any thoughts or input are welcome.
You have been an invaluable source of information, guidance and support which has been very much appreciated.
Thank you.
Melissa
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@melissa08 Hi - I was letting this post wait for an answer from another community member, because I follow the philosophy of "whatever fits in my schedule" for nebs, except when doing it for a culture. Then I do it first thing in the morning, before eating and drinking (except water or herbal tea), per my pulmonologist's directions.
Otherwise, I move around a while, do some stretching and neb - before or after breakfast - depending on my day. My second neb, if I need it, is before dinner while watching the news, or about 2 hours after dinner but well before bed. I started that because if I do it too close to bed, I am still coughing stuff up.
What do others do?
Sue
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3 ReactionsI work in the morning so am only nebulizing 2 hours after lunch. That is when i get the sputum sample. (After huff coughing and deep breathing in a yoga bridge pose)… also called postural drainage.
This week I had a little more chest tightness so added hot tea and an extra nebulizing tx at night (2 hours before bedtime). Cindy
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4 ReactionsI nebulise when it fits in. I avoid too near after eating as it makes me want to cough up what I've just eaten!
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4 ReactionsI have been using a nebulizer for my pulmonary hypertension and asthma. However, I am just wondering how long I should wait to have something to drink before using or after using the nebulizer.
I do it in the morning after coffee and in the evening after walking and dinner. I don't worry about food or drink. In the hospital they came around when they had time without regard to meals so I assumed it didn't matter.
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1 ReactionA.M. wake up -> albuterol -> hydrate -> NAC -> 7% saline, then breakfast/coffee
P.M. 3 hours after dinner, repeat except no albuterol, one puff of symbicort (asthma)
Would like to clear during exercise....it would be more efficient!
Hello.
I have asthma and bronchiectasis so want to be clear on the protocol you follow as I establish my routine/regime with my doctor. We are starting to look at what works for maintenance. Right now, I have been recommended 2 puffs of symbacort twice a day plus nebulizing 7% saline (I need to start this; I have been nervous due to my twitchy airways and worries over hemoptisis).
When you listed your routine above, is it just the saline that you are nebulizing and inhaler for albutirol and oral for NAC? And then presumably airway clearance thereafter?
Thanks!
When I was at NJH it was done on empty stomach. I do some exercise yoga when I wake up then I nebulize with saline, Aerobika and I use a SMARTVEST before I eat. Then I wait 2 hrs after lunch and do the same on empty stomach
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1 ReactionI was told to do ACT on an empty stomach. I do it before meals or 2-3 hrs after. I produce very little though and my cough is under control since inhaler was changed.
I’ve been losing weight so now, if I’m hungry in the morning, I’ll have a very small snack to get me thru session. It takes me a while since it’s Neb, Aerobika, huff cough and postural drainage.
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1 ReactionI was reading that to do ACTs on an empty stomach including no drinking. I have found with out water my throat and upper chest get irritated more easily. I am going back to drinking water before ACTs.
Anyone have thoughts on that?