BE treatment plays an essential role in slowing disease progression, but likevall therapies, there can be side effects. The good news is that many of thesevcan be managed with small adjustments. If you experience unwanted sideveffects, work with your care team to help resolve them and don’t make anyvtreatment adjustments on your own.
Airway Clearance Techniques
Some people may experience chest or muscle soreness, fatigue, lightheadedness or shortness of breath, and cough-related throat irritation after airway clearance sessions. However, moving out retained mucus helps minimize infections and makes it a little easier for medications to do their work.
Helpful tips:
• Start slowly and build up intensity over time
• Use proper positioning and techniques (a respiratory therapist can help)
• Stay well hydrated to keep mucus easier to clear
• Let your provider know if pain or dizziness occurs or persists
Bronchodilators
Bronchodilators play an important role in helping open the airways. Sometimes, they may cause tremors or shakiness, rapid heartbeat, nervousness, problems sleeping, and headaches.
Helpful tips:
• Wait and see how your body adjusts as effects often lessen over time
• Don’t take the medication close to bedtime
• Time your dosages so they are not taken too close together or right before strenuous activity
• Use as directed before airway clearance to improve effectiveness
• Report persistent or bothersome symptoms
Corticosteroids
Inhaled and oral steroids are used to reduce inflammation. They may cause some effects, especially when used long-term. Inhaled steroids may cause oral thrush, which can be treated with medication or with medicated mouthwash, and hoarseness. Oral steroids may cause bone thinning (when used long-term), weight changes, and mood changes.
Helpful tips:
• Always rinse and spit after using inhaled steroids
• Use a spacer, if recommended, for inhaled steroids
• Have bone health, weight, and mood monitored regularly if oral steroids are used long term DPP-1 Inhibitors
This new class of medication is used to reduce inflammation but can cause
upper respiratory tract infections, headaches, rashes and dry skin, dental
problems, and high blood pressure.
Helpful tips:
• Report any fever or worsening cough to your care team
• Use gentle skincare and monitor for new rashes; visit a dermatologist if needed
• Get regular dental checkups and cleanings and brush your teeth as recommended by your dentist
• Monitor blood pressure regularly
Oral Antibiotics
Oral antibiotics, whether used to treat an active infection or to reduce inflammation, can cause possible side effects, including upset stomach,
diarrhea, yeast infections, changes in taste, and increased risk of antibiotic resistance over time.
Helpful tips:
• Take medications exactly as prescribed
• Report ongoing stomach issues or new symptoms
• Ask about taking a probiotic supplement and how to time it when taking oral antibiotics
Inhaled Antibiotics
Inhaled antibiotics behave differently than oral antibiotics because they go straight into the lungs. As a result, they can cause localized side effects including coughing or throat irritation, hoarseness or voice changes, and chest tightness or bronchospasms.
Helpful tips:
• Use a bronchodilator before inhaled antibiotics if prescribed
• Always rinse your mouth and throat after treatments
• Use proper nebulizer technique and follow all guidelines for equipment cleaning
• Tell your provider if symptoms worsen or don’t improve
Nebulized Treatments Nebulized treatments deliver medication directly to the lungs. Some people notice mild throat irritation, coughing during or after treatment, throat or mouth dryness, hoarseness, dry eyes or irritation, and blurry vision during or shortly after treatment.
Helpful tips:
• Rinse your mouth after treatments if recommended
• Stay well hydrated
• Make sure the nebulizer mist is directed properly through the mouth piece or a well-fitted mask
• Keep your eyes gently closed during treatments or wear goggles
• Let your care team know if symptoms persist or worsen