So, I took rescue cockatiel Solanna to the vet the same day I adopted her, as she just seemed...off. She jerked her head a lot, had trouble breathing after exertion, and her breathing sounded wet. The vet did some tests and couldn't find any signs of an infection, so she sent me home with instructions to watch her.

Solanna's breathing with exertion has improved, though she's still easily tired. But the rest hasn't cleared up, so I took her to the vet again. Still no concrete diagnosis, but the vet wanted me to use a nebulizer to deliver some moisture and Baytril. The vet noted that her feathers, eyes, and feet all seemed dry despite having access to a bathing dish every day. I'm not sure what the antibiotic is for--she didn't really explain. I'm thinking she thinks there's an infection somewhere she can't culture? Crop and fecal were negative, and there's no emission from Solanna's nose, but I guess there could be something in her lungs that isn't getting out?

I kind of wonder if she might not have birdie asthma or something.

Either way, it's actually a pretty nifty machine and Solanna seems to enjoy her little mist-bath. Anyone else used one?

I've never used one but I've heard of them. I think you're right about the antibiotic - the vet is trying it to see whether it will help. If it's a bacterial problem it may help clear it up, but if it's anything else it won't help. Did the vet check for aspergillosis? That's a common respiratory issue with birds.

I used one this summer when I was birdsitting. One of the birds was an Amazon with recurring breathing problems and she was poorly. It really works wonders because after three days she was back to breathing normally! Impressive machine.
I hope the vet will find out what is bothering poor little Solanna!