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First time for using nebulizer breathing treatments for bronchiectasis

Posted by Stella Tucson @fraytv, Feb 16, 2023

I was hospitalized twice within 2 months for pneumonia. This was my first episode after being diagnosed with bronchiectasis in 2019. My dr prescribed nebulizer -sodium chloride 7% inhalation 2x daily am & pm, albuterol 2.5 mg/3ml (0.83) inhalation 2x daily am & pm, & Breo 100/25 inhaler 1x daily, which I have always used since it came out on the market, & continue to use flutter valve after each treatment. My question is which do you use first & do you space them apart, how many hours between breathing treatments or is it ok to use one right after the other? I am 71 years old, was a very active person who liked to hike & walk. I am now on oxygen & using a walker, I hope to get my active life back. Thank you for any responses & stay well!

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cwal | @cwal | Dec 21, 2023
In reply to @tumanic "I was doing them separately and realized that I could be more efficient by doing them..." + (show)
@tumanic

I was doing them separately and realized that I could be more efficient by doing them together. There was no change in the result, I was eliminating the sputum effectively.

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I thought about doing it that way and may try it yet to see if there is a difference in the end result for me. One doc told me he thought using the albuterol first would give the smaller airways a chance to open and allow the saline to go "deeper"

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tumanic | @tumanic | Dec 21, 2023
In reply to @cwal "I thought about doing it that way and may try it yet to see if there..." + (show)
@cwal

I thought about doing it that way and may try it yet to see if there is a difference in the end result for me. One doc told me he thought using the albuterol first would give the smaller airways a chance to open and allow the saline to go "deeper"

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That’s certainly logical and I’m sure each of us reacts differently to using the neb. I follow up after the neb with Trelegy and was surprised that my last pulmo function test showed very little difference between my pre and post albuterol application. My pre numbers had improved to a couple of % points of the post measurement. Again, that may just be the way my body reacts to the neb therapy.

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AZ | @equanimous | Dec 22, 2023

My dr instructed me to do Albuterol first, wait about 4 or 5 minutes and then nebulize. The Albuterol helps open the airways so the saline can go deeper. Seems to work just fine for me. Also, when nebbing, I use my Aerobika which hooks right up to the nebulizer. And, when I am done with that, I do my compression vest for 20 minutes. Best of luck to you.

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harrynsc | @harrynsc | Dec 22, 2023

I was told to do the Albuterol first, wait 15 minutes, and then do the saline.
Harry

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zscline | @zscline | Dec 22, 2023
In reply to @equanimous "My dr instructed me to do Albuterol first, wait about 4 or 5 minutes and then..." + (show)
@equanimous

My dr instructed me to do Albuterol first, wait about 4 or 5 minutes and then nebulize. The Albuterol helps open the airways so the saline can go deeper. Seems to work just fine for me. Also, when nebbing, I use my Aerobika which hooks right up to the nebulizer. And, when I am done with that, I do my compression vest for 20 minutes. Best of luck to you.

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What is Aerobika?

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AZ | @equanimous | Dec 22, 2023

It is a handheld device that really helps with airway clearance. There are other devices but I found this one to be the best. I would definitely ask your healthcare provider about it.
Here is some information:
https://www.mskcc.org/cancer-care/patient-education/how-use-your-aerobika

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