UTI or urinary retention and inhalers

Hello @mchristmas and welcome to Mayo Clinic Connect. I understand you have been experiencing a frustrating side effect of UTIs as a result of your inhaler use and would like to learn if others have had a similar experience.

Because of this, I've also included your question in the Lung Health group to increase the number of members with experiences with inhalers. Members like @sueinmn @windwalker @thumperguy have experience with inhalers as part of their lung health and may have information to share with you regarding your concern.

Are you currently still using an inhaler and do you currently have a UTI that you are dealing with?

Thank you for your reply! I’m currently not using an inhaler but I’m still struggling with asthma. I’m too scared to use one until I get some information about inhalers that might not cause this issue. I had to go through 4 antibiotics due to the last infection becoming resistant. I feel better now though. No more uti symptoms currently. Thanks for linking me to the other posts!

I have not had UTI's as a result of using inhalers, but I had other side effects that made them difficult for me. Even though it is milder than what I probably need, my pulmonologist and I have settled on Flovent (fluticasone) most of the time, Breo Ellipta (fluticasone plus vilanterol) during my worst season. The Breo should be used full time, but gives me a sore throat, and steals my voice.
Sue

@mchristmas- Good morning. I use to use Spiriva. That has ipratropium in it. I use to take it but have been switched to a relatively new inhaler that makes Spiriva redundant. It's called Trelegy Ellipta. It's really helped me tremendously. I do not have asthma so I don't know what combination of inhalers would be right for you. It's important to have your pulmonologist make sure that you have the right one.

What does she say?

My 5 year old uses Albuterol for asthma for the last couple years and also get UTIs and frequent urination with it. This happens when she uses the pump with or without the spacer as well as the nebulizer. If anyone has found any relief with this or know of alternative inhalers that don't have this side effect, any information would be greatly appreciated.

I’m on Trelegy.. max dose. Rarely had uti issues, but back in April all sorts of bad things started, requiring pulmonologist and allergist/immunologist. No one knows what’s happening or at least isn’t telling me. I’m a Veteran, so I think they feel I was exposed to something. With the added smoke from the wildfires. I’m stuck. I think I have another uti, but just got off of antibiotics in July/August for a sinus infection. They’ve tried oral steroids, low dose antibiotics in April. Then the Ready Care gave me a mega dose. I don’t smoke or drink..
Has anyone else had issues with Trelegy? It’s worked well in May, but if it’s going to get me into antibiotic resistance.. it’s not worth it.
New doctor time? They want to try Tezspire injections but won’t tell me much about what can happen…

Wow. I have a suprapubic catheter and severe uti's about every other month. I have asthma and gave been doing the nebulizer duonebs treatment about every 4 to 5 hours. This conversation had me wondering if the nebs is causing my uti's. May need to study up on this. Cranberry juice is no help. Inhalers don't help me so doc has me doing nebulizer.

Hello, Although I have not experienced an actual UTI, I tend towards serious bronchitis if I'm not proactive. I recently made the connection between nebulized Ipratropium and urinary retention, which can present like a UTI or the beginning symptoms of one. I do not have a catheter, so this may not be helpful in your case, but here's my experience: A common solution is Albuterol with Ipratropium Bromide, and It dawned on me that the last time I experienced urinary issues (strong, frequent urge and low yield) was when I was frequently using the nebulizer. So, I looked it up and there it was, "Ipratropium (inhaled) can cause urinary retention in elderly males (I am extremely active 70) with moderate benign prostate enlargement." Pretty common in my age group. I got shut off the nebulizer and my symptoms cleared right up. When I experienced this about two years ago, I went to the urologist (no regrets, better safe than sorry) and got a clean bill of health in that respect, but none of my docs nor I myself made this connection until I personally looked it up like two weeks ago. Love my docs and they can't be expected to read ALL the tea leaves, but I'm Glad I'm a pretty strong self advocate.

Thank you. More reading for me. Pulmonoligist is not ready for me to stop nebs treatment. No other options

I get it, Just FYI my friend. I also know (but forgot to mention) that Albuterol neb solution is available without Ipratropium Bromide, and this is what I will use when and if needed moving forward All the best to you!