I noticed some soap residue in my nebulizer while using it. Should I be concerned?

Hello doctor,

I have been using a Levalbuterol nebulizer for a cough. I accidentally had some soap residue left in the nebulizer, and I used it for a minute before realizing this. Should I be very concerned?

Hi doctor,

Thank you for the reply.

Six weeks ago, I had a cold, congestion, facial pain, scratchy throat, and post-nasal drip (common for me), lasting about a week. It then turned into a persistent dry tickle cough. I had coughing fits about 10 minutes long, which would sometimes turn into a wheezing sound. I went to the primary doctor, and she thought I had a virus. A week later, I went back to another primary doctor since I was not feeling better, and she prescribed a nose spray that insurance did not cover, so I did not get it.

I went to my asthma specialist the following week. She did a breathing spirometry test (score of 88 % last year's score had been 96 %). She listened to my lungs, and she felt they were clear. She did nebulizer treatment in the office and her score on the breathing test improved. She recommended Xopenex nebulizer 3 to 4 times a day. I was not feeling hugely better with chest tightness although, the coughing has lessened, so I went back to the allergist. She had done a spirometry test before I did the nebulizer treatment, and it increased to 93 % with almost no Xopenex in the system. The doctor gave me another nebulizer treatment in-office and had me repeat the test again, and no change was seen. She wants me to continue the Xopenex nebulizer for 7 to 10 days because I still have a post-nasal drip.

She wants to treat me for a sinus infection, as I had sinus pain six weeks ago, but I no longer have it now. She gave me Amoxicillin 875 mg every 12 hours. I am sensitive to medicines in general, and I do not like taking antibiotics unless necessary. I have no facial pain, pressure, sore throat, fever, or congestion. I only have a post-nasal drip and cough, which seems to be improving. Do you think the symptoms of the post-nasal drip and tickle cough indicate a sinus infection and warrant taking Amoxicillin? I would hate to treat something when it does not feel like I have a sinus infection. She also felt like my chest sounded very clear.