Nebulizer use.
I have been using inhalers for asthma and then COPD for some years now. In January, 2021, I was prescribed a nebulizer to help with the albuterol and saline inhalation to help keep my lungs clear. Come to find out I have been doing things backwards. I should be using the nebulizer to open my airways, and then use the inhalers for optimum penetration. With gray hairs come wisdom.
Hi again, ziel, and thanks for this post. You do make a very good point! It is one that some clinicians I know subscribe to as well. Some folks do recommend using a 'bronchodilator' first, and then administering the non-bronchodilator medications. The doctors I know leave the choice of using a metered dose inhaler (MDI) or nebulizer to the patient as to how they (the patient), would prefer to take the medication.
The reasoning is as you suggested - by taking the bronchodilator first, the airways will be maximally open to then receive the subsequent medications. This will enhance both penetration and deposition!
Thanks so much for your input on this very interesting topic!
All the best,
Leon (site moderator COPD.net)
