nebulizing albuterol and saline

Posted by donnaturn @donnaturn, Dec 14, 2022

I have had shakiness after nebulizing albuterol 2.5mg/3ml. The last time I saw my pulmo. He suggested using only half the vial, which has helped some. He also said that we could change to a lower dose when I need a refill. Have any of you experienced the same thing and what dose is most commonly prescribed? Also, I think I have read on this site that nebulizing saline causes coughing. I have problems with that often and have to stop and cough and drink before resuming. It is frustrating because it just makes the session longer. I am using 7% saline. Has anyone had less coughing with 3%? Also, I assume 3% is less effective and perhaps I should put up with the coughing if the 7% does a better job. I appreciate any advice. Thank you. Donna Turnbaugh

Interested in more discussions like this? Go to the MAC & Bronchiectasis Support Group.

Nebulizer’s nor Albuterol and saline are covered by my husband’s Medicare but I think I read somewhere that if the physician would write a prescription for these and use a specific code that these are would be covered.
Is anyone familiar with this?
Thanks,
Totty

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Profile picture for totty @totty

Nebulizer’s nor Albuterol and saline are covered by my husband’s Medicare but I think I read somewhere that if the physician would write a prescription for these and use a specific code that these are would be covered.
Is anyone familiar with this?
Thanks,
Totty

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If your husband has MAC lung disease, the Healthwell Foundation will help pay co-pays and supplemental insurance premiums. I’m not sure if they would specifically cover nebulizers and saline, but it’s worth asking them.
Best,
Linda Esposito

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I had such awful coughing fits from nebulizing hypertonic saline that my pulmonologist took me off saline altogether. I can't tell you what a relief it was. I have had asthma for 60 years and have "mild bronchiectasis." Now, I nebulize albuterol with an Aerobika device and follow that with 2 puffs of Symbicort generic. I haven't missed the saline. Hope this helps.

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Profile picture for totty @totty

Nebulizer’s nor Albuterol and saline are covered by my husband’s Medicare but I think I read somewhere that if the physician would write a prescription for these and use a specific code that these are would be covered.
Is anyone familiar with this?
Thanks,
Totty

Jump to this post

Oh my, I apologize. I wrote you a long answer yesterday, only to have my computer shut down before I could push "Reply"

Please know - if prescribed by a doctor, Medicare Part B covers nebulizer, Albuterol & saline. If your husband has Medicare Part B or an "umbrella" Advantage Plan or a supplement, IT IS COVERED. Two things often happen - pharmacists submit it under Part D (prescription drugs) - which is incorrect, and it gets rejected. Or, the wrong diagnostic and dispensing codes were used.

Here is the official 2022 information from the government:
https://www.cms.gov/medicare-coverage-database/view/article.aspx
Feel free to share this with your care team.
Sue

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Profile picture for Sue, Volunteer Mentor @sueinmn

Oh my, I apologize. I wrote you a long answer yesterday, only to have my computer shut down before I could push "Reply"

Please know - if prescribed by a doctor, Medicare Part B covers nebulizer, Albuterol & saline. If your husband has Medicare Part B or an "umbrella" Advantage Plan or a supplement, IT IS COVERED. Two things often happen - pharmacists submit it under Part D (prescription drugs) - which is incorrect, and it gets rejected. Or, the wrong diagnostic and dispensing codes were used.

Here is the official 2022 information from the government:
https://www.cms.gov/medicare-coverage-database/view/article.aspx
Feel free to share this with your care team.
Sue

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Sue, Thanks for the link but really why does Medicare have to be so complicated with this. Has anyone had Medicare pay for a specific Nebulizer? Bill

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Profile picture for poodledoc @poodledoc

Sue, Thanks for the link but really why does Medicare have to be so complicated with this. Has anyone had Medicare pay for a specific Nebulizer? Bill

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Yes, they paid for my replacement Pari Vios. And they routinely pay for all of my neb solutions -levalbuterol, budosenide, douneb & 7% saline - depending on what I need at the moment.
Sue

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Profile picture for cate123456 @cate123456

Donna, I had same problem with Albuterol, so I was switched to Levabuterol, and it works the same without the shakiness. I also have all three percents of saline and use them where appropriate— I.e. if my lungs are irritated I use the .9% and if real mucusy I use the 7% but mostly use 3%.

Linda, that is so interesting that you were tested via PFT for a bronchodilator’s effect!! I read that even levabuterol can cause lung irritation. I am going to ask for that test! Thanks

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@cate123456 I do not know anything about the saline you speak of. Is that what you are calling what is in the albuteral vial or is it something you put in your nebulizer instead of albuteral or do you add it to your albuteral. I dont have any side effects from Albuterol.
I am wondering about the saline.

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Profile picture for songinmyheart54 @songinmyheart54

@cate123456 I do not know anything about the saline you speak of. Is that what you are calling what is in the albuteral vial or is it something you put in your nebulizer instead of albuteral or do you add it to your albuteral. I dont have any side effects from Albuterol.
I am wondering about the saline.

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@songinmyheart54 my doctor has never mentioned Saline

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Profile picture for songinmyheart54 @songinmyheart54

@songinmyheart54 my doctor has never mentioned Saline

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@songinmyheart54 I see that you have had lung cancer, may I ask why you are using albuterol, which is usually used for treating asthma?

The members speaking of nebulizing saline have a chronic lung disease called Bronchiectasis or a lung infection called Mycobacteria Avium complex (MAC.) The saline helps to remove mucus from our lungs so they function better, and less mucus gives the bacteria fewer places to hide and grow.

Have you been diagnosed with Bronchiectasis or MAC?

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Profile picture for Sue, Volunteer Mentor @sueinmn

@songinmyheart54 I see that you have had lung cancer, may I ask why you are using albuterol, which is usually used for treating asthma?

The members speaking of nebulizing saline have a chronic lung disease called Bronchiectasis or a lung infection called Mycobacteria Avium complex (MAC.) The saline helps to remove mucus from our lungs so they function better, and less mucus gives the bacteria fewer places to hide and grow.

Have you been diagnosed with Bronchiectasis or MAC?

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@sueinmn - I have MAC and was instructed to nebulize with albuterol to help remove mucous buildup in my lungs. Saline does not help with that.

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