Albuterol and long term side effects

Hi Lorraine, I don’t personally use albuterol. I was tested several times during pulmonary function testing, and it didn’t make a measurable difference for me. That said, for many people living with bronchiectasis, albuterol is a critical part of their airway clearance routine. It helps open the airways, can make breathing feel easier, and often supports more effective clearance.

There is an important nuance that doesn’t always get discussed. In some individuals, bronchodilators like albuterol may worsen reflux. And reflux, even without classic heartburn, can quietly affect lung health over time.

Albuterol works by relaxing smooth muscle in the airways. That same type of smooth muscle exists in the lower esophageal sphincter, the valve that helps keep stomach contents from moving upward. In susceptible people, studies suggest albuterol can reduce sphincter tone, making reflux more likely.

This does not mean albuterol is harmful or should be avoided. It simply means that awareness, timing, and posture around its use can matter, especially for those who notice reflux or coughing patterns afterward.

I’ll also add that I tend to follow the belief “if it ain’t broken, don’t fix it.” I don’t take additional medications or supplements beyond what I truly need, even though I know they can be very effective for others.

Like so much with bronchiectasis, it’s about understanding how your own body responds and working with your care team to fine-tune what works best for you.

Warm regards,
Linda Esposito

I have been a long time bronchiectasis patient nebulizing with 3% albuterol & saline. I notice there are times especially when ill with respiratory infections, the albuterol tends to make me feel very shaky after nebulizing, which is difficult on top of being ill. I have started nebulizing with just the sterile saline during illness to stop that reaction. I feel I get just as good mucus production without the albuterol. I also have started pausing for 3- 5 minutes at a time after expectorating because it is so exhausting to just do continuous nebulizing. Of course I use aerobika after nebulizing to get the most benefit for lung clearance. I was given a small monitor for my aerobika by NJH, to measure my forced air exhale - i realized i had been putting huge strain on neck muscles & vocal cords in past with pushing way to hard on exhale. I get deeper forced exhale & more mucus expectorated using this small monitor. I also started using a mesh nebulizer which seems to be better at delivering saline & albuterol & is small & portable, makes no noise & only requires periodic charging.

@robot
Would you kindly share the name of the nebulizer that you use?
Thank you.

I have been a long time bronchiectasis patient nebulizing with 3% albuterol & saline. I notice there are times especially when ill with respiratory infections, the albuterol tends to make me feel very shaky after nebulizing, which is difficult on top of being ill. I have started nebulizing with just the sterile saline during illness to stop that reaction. I feel I get just as good mucus production without the albuterol. I also have started pausing for 3- 5 minutes at a time after expectorating because it is so exhausting to just do continuous nebulizing. Of course I use aerobika after nebulizing to get the most benefit for lung clearance. I was given a small monitor for my aerobika by NJH, to measure my forced air exhale - i realized i had been putting huge strain on neck muscles & vocal cords in past with pushing way to hard on exhale. I get deeper forced exhale & more mucus expectorated using this small monitor. I also started using a mesh nebulizer which seems to be better at delivering saline & albuterol & is small & portable, makes no noise & only requires periodic charging.

@robot

>I also started using a mesh nebulizer which seems to be better at delivering saline & albuterol & is small & portable, makes no noise & only requires periodic charging.

Yes, please share make and model please?
Patty

@mountains1957
Mayluck mesh nebulizer available on amazon

I have been a long time bronchiectasis patient nebulizing with 3% albuterol & saline. I notice there are times especially when ill with respiratory infections, the albuterol tends to make me feel very shaky after nebulizing, which is difficult on top of being ill. I have started nebulizing with just the sterile saline during illness to stop that reaction. I feel I get just as good mucus production without the albuterol. I also have started pausing for 3- 5 minutes at a time after expectorating because it is so exhausting to just do continuous nebulizing. Of course I use aerobika after nebulizing to get the most benefit for lung clearance. I was given a small monitor for my aerobika by NJH, to measure my forced air exhale - i realized i had been putting huge strain on neck muscles & vocal cords in past with pushing way to hard on exhale. I get deeper forced exhale & more mucus expectorated using this small monitor. I also started using a mesh nebulizer which seems to be better at delivering saline & albuterol & is small & portable, makes no noise & only requires periodic charging.

@robot
What kind of monitor?