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Is Nbulization Effective Than Taking Powder Inhalers?
Question: I have a new pulmonologist. I have been taking fomoterol fumarate for 6 yrs. momentazone furoate for 5 yrs and tiotropium for 4 years. My new doctor is taking me off these drugs and switching to a nebulizer 4x a day. The reason for the change is because I have developed a deep bronchial congestion. Is it wise to drop the powder inhalers. They work extremely well for me and other than pneumonia in my 2nd year I have never come close to being hospitalized. I am 83 yrs. I use ox 24/7 3 rate. I think it is insane to discontinue the powders that have served so well. What say you? XXXXXXX XXXX
Brief Answer:
What drugs is he using for nebulization?
Detailed Answer:
Hi and thank you so much for this query.
I am so sorry to hear about this change and all the disturbing thoughts this has caused you. I understand how disturbing it gets being told that you would be switched off medications that have worked wonders for you over the years with minimal problems.
Nebulization is a procedure and not a medication. The only difference is that the drug is delivered in a vaporised and moistened state. This is helpful in making bronchial secretions lighter and easing evacuation. This is probably the reason why your doctor wants to to get you on this method as you have reported bronchial congestion. If he is using the same medications, then there is just no need to worry. If he is using different medications, I will suggest that you give it a try. Should the results not be encouraging, he would of course have no grounds to continue with his idea and plan. Give it a try and the results would tell whether it is worth carrying on or not.
In all, nebulization is not a bad idea. Give it a try and should the results not be comparable to the current plan, you would be switched back to the present medications. Do not be scared of the change but use it as an opportunity to compare two treatment plans and stick to the better one.
I hope this helps. I wish you well. Thank you so much for using our services. Feel free to ask for more information and clarifications if need be and I will gladly respond to them.
What drugs is he using for nebulization?
Detailed Answer:
Hi and thank you so much for this query.
I am so sorry to hear about this change and all the disturbing thoughts this has caused you. I understand how disturbing it gets being told that you would be switched off medications that have worked wonders for you over the years with minimal problems.
Nebulization is a procedure and not a medication. The only difference is that the drug is delivered in a vaporised and moistened state. This is helpful in making bronchial secretions lighter and easing evacuation. This is probably the reason why your doctor wants to to get you on this method as you have reported bronchial congestion. If he is using the same medications, then there is just no need to worry. If he is using different medications, I will suggest that you give it a try. Should the results not be encouraging, he would of course have no grounds to continue with his idea and plan. Give it a try and the results would tell whether it is worth carrying on or not.
In all, nebulization is not a bad idea. Give it a try and should the results not be comparable to the current plan, you would be switched back to the present medications. Do not be scared of the change but use it as an opportunity to compare two treatment plans and stick to the better one.
I hope this helps. I wish you well. Thank you so much for using our services. Feel free to ask for more information and clarifications if need be and I will gladly respond to them.
Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
Brief Answer:
Give it a try!
Detailed Answer:
Hi and thanks for this follow up precision.
There is no reason to get worried about possible withdrawal effects. Withdrawal from inhaled steroids is rare. Is this a new doctor or why does it appear that you do not seem to trust him/her that much. I find the change totally acceptable and nothing prevents him/her from going back to the previous treatment if this fails. I have told you the lone reason why he/she is probably changing the treatment and they are not invalid.
Tropium has the same action as tiotropium. Albuterol has the same as fometerol. There is no reason to get worried about these changes. They are very subtle and may prove helpful.
I still recommend that you work with your doctor about this. His plan is not erratic and evaluation would prove him right or not.
I hope this helps. I wish you well. Feel free to keep the exchanges going.
Give it a try!
Detailed Answer:
Hi and thanks for this follow up precision.
There is no reason to get worried about possible withdrawal effects. Withdrawal from inhaled steroids is rare. Is this a new doctor or why does it appear that you do not seem to trust him/her that much. I find the change totally acceptable and nothing prevents him/her from going back to the previous treatment if this fails. I have told you the lone reason why he/she is probably changing the treatment and they are not invalid.
Tropium has the same action as tiotropium. Albuterol has the same as fometerol. There is no reason to get worried about these changes. They are very subtle and may prove helpful.
I still recommend that you work with your doctor about this. His plan is not erratic and evaluation would prove him right or not.
I hope this helps. I wish you well. Feel free to keep the exchanges going.
Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
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