Struggling with lung issues? Choosing the right nebulizer setup can make a big difference! Several years ago, I upgraded to the Ombra system from Monaghan and Trudell International.
This more powerful system is what National Jewish Health (NJH), a top US lung hospital, recommends to their patients. While I haven't received care there myself, I trust their expertise. As a BE consultant, I often hear what clients treated at NJH are instructed to do. In all cases, they've been advised to use an Aerobika with an Aeroelipse XL cup and an Ombra compressor. It's important to note that patients are also advised to change the tubing regularly (every 2 months to 2 weeks depending on source) and the filter every 6 months to maintain optimal performance. While there are other good nebulizer options from Pari and Philips, each system delivers medication differently. Substituting one cup for another can affect how much medication you receive. Talk to your doctor about the best nebulizer setup for your specific needs. #bronchiectasis #lunghealth #nebulizer #nebulising #nebulizing #nebulise #aerobika #aeroeclipse #paritreks
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A LETTER OF APPRECIATION TO MY DRIZZLE POT
Dearest Drizzle, I apologize for calling you "glitchy" back in October while I was in Italy. It seems I malfunctioned, not you! I thought I had read the instructions carefully, but I missed the crucial step about needing to flip you upside down and change the voltage when abroad. While using you in our California rental, you've been working wonderfully. Thank you for being such a reliable companion! Please forgive me, Linda #drizzlepot #airwayclearance #bronchiectasis #travelingwithbronchiectasis This week we'll dive into travel essentials and how to pack them!
But first, a tip: budget $200 for self-care equipment. Why? Because:
Equipment Sourcing Guide– *Steripen - Amazon (lithium batteries need to be in carryon) *Medela steam bags - Amazon *Dr Brown steam bags - Amazon *Drizzle foldable electric travel pot - Amazon *Aerobika with manometer - Allied Medical Express *Aerobika (no manometer) - SaveRite *Pari Trek S portable nebulizer system - SaveRite *Inflatable wedge *My book “The BE CLEAR Method to Living with Bronchiectasis.” For motivational reading!!! *Battery operated nebulizer I do not have a suggestion for one over another. You will need to plan on using a cold method of sterilizing as most of them cannot withstand high heat. What you bring on your trip will depend on whether you are flying, taking a train, bus or car. Also, how much luggage you are allowed to take without a surcharge or even have space for. Additionally, how many luggage pieces can you comfortably handle? If you are traveling outside of the US, you will need a plug adaptor and perhaps a voltage converter. It is always best to check with the electrical device manufacturer to know whether their equipment will work on your travels. The Ombra nebulizing system is meant only for the US and Canada. The Pari Trek S portable compressor comes with Sprint nebulizing cups that can withstand high heat. It is not as powerful as the Ombra, but will get the job done. Test before you go! Don't wait until vacation to discover your new equipment isn’t reliable. Try everything beforehand for a stress-free trip. Remember, investing in your health makes a world of difference! #bronchiectasis #traveltips #selfcare #chronicillness #airwayclearance In a previous post, we discussed the importance of pre-travel exercises for everyone. But for those managing bronchiectasis, preparing our body with stretches and strength training is extra important!
Traveling often involves lifting luggage, long journeys, and unfamiliar environments, so being in good shape can make a big difference. But that’s not all! Effective communication plays a vital role too. Talking openly with your travel companions about your airway clearance needs and rest requirements can be a game-changer. Let them know you might need to schedule specific times for these activities or even stay back at the hotel sometimes. Most importantly, don’t forget to have a conversation with yourself!! As much as we try to keep all of our procedures in place, including exercise, airway clearance, healthy eating, and perhaps time for meditation and other non-sleep relaxation practices, sometimes there isn’t the time nor the energy for them on vacation. It can be disturbing when this happens. But the reality is it’s probably going to happen repeatedly on vacation. What I try to do is monitor my mood so I don’t get grouchy. I stay calm about it with a five-minute relaxation exercise in the morning or even the night before a big travel day. And I prioritize what I think is the most important of my self-care practices. On a month-long trip to Italy within the first few days I got a cold. So it was easy to prioritize air clearance over exercise because I always take my exercise down a notch when I don’t feel well. I make sure to walk and move, but I’m less likely to do structured exercise. Also, I did something I’ve never done before and took my rescue antibiotic on day 5 of producing more sputum than my usual. Again, not something I wanted to do and I would not have done it at home. I would’ve had a sputum culture before taking an antibiotic. By taking the time to have these conversations beforehand, you’ll be laying the groundwork for a smoother, more enjoyable, and ultimately, more memorable trip for everyone involved. Letsbecleartoday.com #chronicillnesstravel #bronchiectasiswarrior #bronchiectasisawareness #lifebeyondbronchiectasis #bronchiectasis #invisibleillness #mentalhealthmatters This week, we’re diving into the world of traveling with bronchiectasis. While packing tips are coming (trust me, I’ve got you covered!) let’s talk about an even more crucial aspect: strengthening and stretching your body. Imagine navigating cobblestone streets with a nebulizer backpack, suitcase, and chest vest. Sounds tiring, right? The last thing you want while traveling is to throw out your back. So, before your adventure begins, consider dedicating some time to building strength and improving flexibility. This isn’t just about your back, but about creating overall strength from head to toe. Why is this important? A strong body will help you: *Effortlessly lift luggage into overhead bins, taxi trunks, and hotel room suitcase stands. *Maneuver wheeled suitcases with ease. *Maintain good balance and prevent falls. Beyond packing tips, “packing on” some muscle and strength can make a real difference. My book, “The BE CLEAR METHOD to Living with Bronchiectasis,” features 10 straightforward exercises that, done consistently, can significantly improve any travel experience. Remember, exercise does more than help with travel; it’s crucial for overall health and well-being. So, while you’re planning your trip, consider incorporating some strengthening and stretching into your routine. Ready to learn more? Check out my book for those 10 essential exercises (GERD-friendly), or get in touch for personalized guidance! https://amzn.to/3C18rl1 www.letsbecleartoday.com #exercise #strongbody #personaltrainer #stretch #strength #Bronchiectasis #COPD #Asthma #CysticFibrosis #LongCovid #Mucus ⭐️⭐️BE-Practical Series⭐️⭐️
Oral microbiota is a hot research topic and within the next five years we will hopefully have a better understanding of the role these bacteria play in the lung microbiome. Although it is hard to believe, we have over 700 different types of bacteria in our mouths! Some are good, some not so good and some we aren’t sure of. For those of us who have dealt with NTM infections like MAC, the good news is NTM are generally not found in the oral cavity. However, when we cough and secretions enter our mouth, they could end up on our toothbrush. A dab of dish soap and a scrubbing will help clean your toothbrush, and if you have a baby bottle sterilizer, you might see if your toothbrush can withstand the heat. My client put his toothbrush in a microwave bag for three minutes and it bent, so I would avoid this method or try it for a shorter time. I recently treated myself to this mini UV device I found on Amazon. I pop my toothbrush into it after each use and also take it on trips. It isn’t a “must-have” device, but it is reasonably priced and easy to use. In addition, its a good idea to maintain a healthy mouth with good oral hygiene and regular dentist visits. Don’t forget to get your complimentary toothbrush from the hygienist! You might want to consider using a new one every month. #oralhygiene #toothdecay #bronchiectasis #dentistvisits #uvsterilizers #ntm #ntmlungdisease #maclungdisease #cysticfibrosis #pseudomonas #haemophilus Imagine this: Palm trees sway gently, the sun warms your back, and a cool breeze carries the scent of the ocean. Sounds like a dream, right?
Make it a reality at the Bronchiectasis/NTM happening in San Diego at the luxurious Fairmont Grand Del Mar this May 16th-17th. Join us for: *Meaningful connections with the bronchiectasis and NTM community *Invaluable updates from leading experts in interactive sessions *Learning opportunities whether you attend in person or virtually To register click here!! Thank you Amy Leitman and the non-profit Bronchiectasis/NTM Info and Research team for organizing this event. Also, many thanks to Insmed and others for sponsoring this event. I’m so proud to volunteer as an ambassador for this fabulous organization. When the bronchiectasis community of people with BE, researchers, clinicians, industry and non-profits come together, we are a MIGHTY FORCE!!!! #community #learning #ntminfo #bronchiectasisinfo #bronchiectasis #ntm #ntmlungdisease #sandiego #bronchiectasisconference #ntmconference #education #insmed #respiratoryhealth #respiratorytherapist #respiratorytherapy #rrt On my YouTube channel, the “Airway Clearance” playlist is the clear winner! The “Aerobika in Detail” video has over 1,500 views. It warms my heart that people worldwide are accessing this information and finding it valuable.
Speaking of valuable information, did you catch the recent Yale presentation on bronchiectasis and MAC infections? It was truly amazing, as always. Dr. Ashley Losier, who I saw for a second opinion five years ago at Yale, truly hit it out of the park, and Marjorie Cullinan, RRT, Operations Manager of Yale’s Pulmonary Function Testing, was a shining star! But beyond the specific airway clearance tips, what truly resonated was Marjorie’s reassuring approach. For us “bronchi-warriors,” who can sometimes feel quite anxious, that makes a world of difference. Unlike a glass jar, our lungs don’t offer a view of how well we’re clearing mucus. Some folks bring up lots, others are less productive. This can lead to self-doubt and uncertainties. Compounding this, many of us haven’t had one-on-one guidance from a respiratory therapist, relying instead on peers and online resources. While this is commendable, it can leave us lacking confidence. That’s why even years after our diagnosis, we still want more airway clearance education. We’re told it’s vital for managing bronchiectasis, but often left to navigate without personalized instructions. It’s like being told, “Drive safely, your life depends on it!” without ever learning the rules of the road. Haven’t listened to the Yale recording yet? Do it today! Know that while the presentation is on NTM infections, much of the information is useful for those with bronchiectasis. #bronchiectasis #BronchiectasisEducation #NTM #NTMLungDisease #MACLungDisease #RespiratoryTherapy #respiratorytherapist BE CLEAR with Bronchiectasis, LLC has a consulting relationship with Monaghan Medical Clearing our airways of mucus can be tricky at times. What works for one person might not work for someone else. Or what’s working for you today might not be as effective in the future. That’s why whenever possible, it’s good to get professional input.
My airway clearance is a combination of exercise, using a HFCWO vest, nebulizing hypertonic saline, using my Aerobika, Autogenic Drainage including a huff cough, postural drainage and EXERCISE All of these approaches can be effectively done by many as stand alone therapies, but because I have these devices, I often mix and match them. I enjoy experimenting but one thing that’s absolutely necessary for me is postural drainage. There is controversy regarding postural drainage because it’s not ideal if you have gastric reflux. I don’t have reflux but with that said, I try to wait at least two hours after eating before I do my airway clearance. I have shown many people how I do airway clearance but always with the caveat that they should seek out professional input. Also, it’s important to note that there are certain contraindications for using some of the airway clearance devices. Just another reason why several sessions with a respiratory therapist or physiotherapist is the best way to start a lifetime of keeping your lungs clear. An excellent airway clearance website—IMPACT Educate yourself so you can advocate for the best care. Then try to help others in the BE community. It’s up to us! #Bronchiectasis #asthma #AirwayClearance #ntmlungdisease #maclungdisease #lunghealth #chroniccough BE CLEAR with Bronchiectasis, LLC has a consulting relationship with Monaghan Medical I am a volunteer ambassador for the awesome Bronchiectasis/NTM Info and Research non-profit agency. I post their upcoming webinars and conferences but more than anything, I am passionate about their support groups.
There are over 35 including an international one!! In these groups we talk about a wide range of experiences and issues. It feels like an old-fashioned quilting circle except we are talking about airway clearance, exercise and nutrition instead of fabric patterns and quilt designs. To see if there’s a support group in your area (many are virtual) go to https://lnkd.in/eTvGEpQH No support group? Check in with Trisha at patricia@ntminfo.org. She is the Engagement Officer and she will help you find one or perhaps start one. The best part of being in a group is sometimes we really connect with a few group members and then we have our own mini-support circle. Warm. Supportive. Comforting. Community. #Bronchiectasis #NTMLungDisease #MACLungDisease #ChronicLungDisease #SupportGroups #SupportGroup #ChronicIllnessSupportGroup #NTMIR #BronchiectasisInfo |
AuthorLinda Cooper Esposito, MPH is a health educator with bronchiectasis. She developed the BE CLEAR Method to Living with Bronchiectasis and writes with compassion and humor about this chronic lung disease. Archives
March 2024
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