Bronchiectasis: Is nebulizing helpful?

Posted by gej53 @gej53, Aug 8, 2021

Hi guys, hope I am posting this right. I have had bronchiectasis and have been nebulizing for two years now. A friend recently visited and said she has a history of pneumonia seven times and saw bronchiectasis on her scan. However, she does not nebulize. I was pretty surprised. Makes me wonder, is mine worse that hers on an xray? Is her doc remiss in not ordering her to nebulize? Does not everyone nebulize who has bronchiectasis? Any thoughts? Thanks so much.

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@toni1132

I was diagnosed in 2017 with Bronchiectasis MAC. I do not nebulize. I have discussed this with my pulmonologist several times and he says the same thing every time....... it isn't necessary. He states as long as I use my inhaler prior to using my Smart Vest and doing my lung clearance, it results in the same as using a nebulizer. Clearing the lungs. I've questioned this theory myself, however. Most people I've read on this post uses nebulizing as part of their keeping MAC at bay and also keeping lungs clear. So...... I'm confused, too!

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Toni - Every time I think "I don't need to neb" reality smacks me on the head with increased fatigue, coughing or other symptoms. I find that nebbing does a far better job of loosening secretions than the inhaler, and I bring up more "junk." This is obvious when I skip nebbing for a few days (still doing inhalers and airway clearance) and I cough up thick clots after each of the first few nebs, then the secretions thin again.
Sue

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I just wish my pulmy wasn't so closed minded. Actuality, I've been thinking of trying to find another doctor who is perhaps more informed. It always irritates me when a doctor isn't "open" to various methodologies . Thank you for your experience and sharing, Sue !

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@toni1132

I just wish my pulmy wasn't so closed minded. Actuality, I've been thinking of trying to find another doctor who is perhaps more informed. It always irritates me when a doctor isn't "open" to various methodologies . Thank you for your experience and sharing, Sue !

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My first pulmonologist "fired" me as a patient when I asked for a co-consult with the ID doc (in the same practice). Best thing that could have happened to me - ID doc referred me to a like-minded pulmonologist and the 3 of us make a good team. They feel comfortable consulting my primary and National Jewish Health (NJH) to get the best plan for me.
It may take a bit of calling around to find the best person - or ask here, based on where you live.
Sue

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Thank you….I try my best…..doesn’t always work, but you also have a wonderful, positive attitude😊

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@toni1132

I was diagnosed in 2017 with Bronchiectasis MAC. I do not nebulize. I have discussed this with my pulmonologist several times and he says the same thing every time....... it isn't necessary. He states as long as I use my inhaler prior to using my Smart Vest and doing my lung clearance, it results in the same as using a nebulizer. Clearing the lungs. I've questioned this theory myself, however. Most people I've read on this post uses nebulizing as part of their keeping MAC at bay and also keeping lungs clear. So...... I'm confused, too!

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Toni, the overarching issue here is “does your inhaler deliver a vapor which includes 7% saline? (which I suspect is unlikely.) If it doesn’t the vapor is almost surely impotent against Mycobacterium Avian Complex (MAC) infections. Investigate “nebulizing 7% saline solution elsewhere on this forum. Don

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@spencersok

What is the best timing for Nebulizing, before or after meals? I am trying to get my wife to start, but getting slight resistance...Thanks for your input in advance!

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Well Spensersok, somehow from a purely intuitive point of view I favor “pre-meal.” That preference would advance to the 2nd power if a percussion vest was involved. Our natural post-meal peristalsis might not welcome intrusive visitors. Don

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@sueinmn

Toni - Every time I think "I don't need to neb" reality smacks me on the head with increased fatigue, coughing or other symptoms. I find that nebbing does a far better job of loosening secretions than the inhaler, and I bring up more "junk." This is obvious when I skip nebbing for a few days (still doing inhalers and airway clearance) and I cough up thick clots after each of the first few nebs, then the secretions thin again.
Sue

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Hi Sue, was wondering if I should use two cups when I nebulize. Budesonide .5 milligrams and sodium chloride 3%. I nebulize one after the other and think will one cup work in that its going right into my lungs.
Thanks, Hauoli

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@hauoli

Hi Sue, was wondering if I should use two cups when I nebulize. Budesonide .5 milligrams and sodium chloride 3%. I nebulize one after the other and think will one cup work in that its going right into my lungs.
Thanks, Hauoli

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I use the same cup then wash. What does everyone else do?

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@tampamac

I am: a surgeon in fact so @thumperguy has a long way to go before the narcicism can ruffle my feathers. Lol.

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Yeah, as a Profession you guys do have a reputation for bulletproof egos. Don

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@thumperguy

Quick! Someone put up a post. I’m replying to myself. I’m liable to start spinning yarns again if this keeps up. Don

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I admire that you have dealt with this illness for such a long time and have a sense of humor about it. I haven't been a year and the thought that this illness is a long, long haul. That this will affect the way I approach life physically and mentally. I thank all of you for informing me as to the experiencing that one goes through. My latest observation is weight loss,
loss of appetite and fatigue. My cooking seems so boring.

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