Is it ok to use inhalers with a steroid in it?

@carol77 Welcome to Mayo Connect and our very helpful support group. Many of us found our diagnosis overwhelming and frightening in the beginning. We're here to help, not with medical advice, but with suggestions based on our own experiences.

I was fortunate on Day 1 of my diagnosis to be seeing a "crusty old doc" (my primary's description) who knew MAC and Bronchiectasis and had an awesome experienced nurse. And on about Day 20, I discovered this amazing group, who supported me through the difficult times of learning about my condition and being treated with antibiotics.

By all means, find a doc who is familiar with MAC and Bronchiectasis. Lack of instruction about airway clearance tells me your doctor probably doesn't deal with it often. If you can tell us generally where you reside, someone may have a suggestion. Or we can help you search.

As to the inhaler with a steroid - it depends. If you have asthma or COPD as well as Bronchiectasis, the current long-term protocol is Symbicort or Breyna, which combines a bronchodilator and a low-dose corticosteroid. If not, often a bronchodilator is suggested prior to airway clearance - this can either be a neb or an inhaler.

Waht led to your bronchoscopy? Have you been told whether there are cavities in your lungs? Do you have any other lung or heart conditions?

Hi
I have no other lung conditions or any heart conditions. They noticed pulmonary nodules and bronchiectasis on CT scan in 2021. I had been asymptomatic. Doing yearly CT and PFT testing.
I don't really produce any sputum. Only once and it was scant amount. They suspected Mac. So had a bronchoscopy with lavage on August28th
Doctor told me it was positive for Mac. I started having symptoms this summer. SOB, lungs feel congested, chest tightness, sometimes chest pain.
My pulmonologist ordered Symbicort. He told me to wear a mask when mowing or gardening. Boiling water doesn’t help. I did some research . I boil my water for 10 minutes using an instapot . I had my water heater flushed and turned up to 130. I changed my shower head. My old one looked pretty nasty.
Wearing mask while gardening or mowing. I would like to be proactive and try to ward off lung damage. I don’t have any cavities. I live in Minnesota by Saint Cloud. In the country.
Thank you so much.

Carol, as your Dr about Spiriva Respimat as a non steroid alternate to Symbicort

Thank you so much

The Spiriva is what I'm on too, Rick. Thanks for suggesting that to Carol.