Feet Swelling with Bronchectasis

Posted by charisscurry @charisscurry, Sep 29, 2025

My mom has Bronchiectasis and takes Albuterol a few times a day. She recently noticed swelling in her feet. She thinks it because she increased her dosage. Anyone else have this problem?

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@charisscurry Is it possible that with Bronchiectasis she has shortness of breath and is less active? Long periods of sitting, especially with feet down, can cause more swelling.

REPLY

You can check if the Albuterol is an extended-release tablet or a high dose, as those forms are sometimes linked to swelling in the feet or ankles. You can discuss this with her doctor during her next appointment. Before that, you can try simple tricks, like elevating her feet several times a day above the level of her heart, for about 30 minutes.
Also, she can try some gentle movements throughout the day, like small walks around the house or simple ankle circles while sitting. It can boost circulation, which prevents fluid from settling. Finally, she can reduce the intake of salty foods, which reduces the body's tendency to retain water.

If the swelling gets worse, is painful, or appears in just one leg, it's time for you to call her doctor and check in.

REPLY
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You can check if the Albuterol is an extended-release tablet or a high dose, as those forms are sometimes linked to swelling in the feet or ankles. You can discuss this with her doctor during her next appointment. Before that, you can try simple tricks, like elevating her feet several times a day above the level of her heart, for about 30 minutes.
Also, she can try some gentle movements throughout the day, like small walks around the house or simple ankle circles while sitting. It can boost circulation, which prevents fluid from settling. Finally, she can reduce the intake of salty foods, which reduces the body's tendency to retain water.

If the swelling gets worse, is painful, or appears in just one leg, it's time for you to call her doctor and check in.

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@charisscurry All the above are good suggestions.
One of the simple things I do is sit in and on the edge of a chair or on the bed with a food stool for my feet to rest on and then I gently raise and lower my feet, kind of like solid foot tap dancing, to get the blood circulating. I find it has helped me with the bit of swelling at the ankles. If I don't move enough or stand in one place too long the ankles do show signs of swelling.
Barbara

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