Nebulised Salbutamol driven with Oxygen

Nebulised Salbutamol with Oxygen Driver.

For around 20 years ive been getting a tightening of the chest that can last between 2 week to 3 months.

Ive had many tests that have come back saying i dont have asthma, then my GP claims i do so has given me several different types of inhalers over the years which do nothing.

Had medication for Acid Reflux to see if this is the cause and it doesn't do a thing.

Prednisolone have been proven to work, though not as well as it did the first time i was prescribed it, and from time to time Antibiotics will help clear whatever is tightening my chest/breathing. (i realise they are for infections)

Current doctor is claiming it could be viral thus there is not a lot inhalers will do for me.

However i work on oil rigs and when i get an episode of my chest tightening, they will give me nebulised salbutamol driven with oxygen, 2 times a day for 2/3 days and this will work.

All doctors have told me that i cant work and look at me as if i some kind of simpleton. I'm wondering if anyone else has had success with this as its reached a point i may just buy the Oxygen tank and the salbutamol from an overseas Pharmacy where ive a relative and go this way.

Comments appreciated.

[Matman]

If you get relief when you use Salbutamol + Oxygen, it may be that the Salbutamol is helping you, but that your Salbutamol Inhaler is not giving you the relief youre hoping for because your Inhaler technique is resulting in you not getting enough of the prescribed dosage into your lungs, possibly none at all.

A significant percentage of Inhaler Users think they are employing the correct technique, but - in fact - are not. A fractional difference in the moment you ‘breath in’ can be enough to reduce the delivered dosage by a huge amount. Due to the speed at which the dosage is discharged from the Inhaler it can end up (mostly) hitting the back of the throat rather than reaching the lungs.

Have you tried using the Salbutamol Inhaler through a Device called a Spacer? Such Devices are sold by most Phatmacists (I don’t think a Prescription is needed) and cost about £10 (maybe a little more). You connect your Inhaler to one end of the Spacer and your mouth to the other. Imagine YouTube / other Sites have videos showing how to use.

If you’re prescribed dosage is (example only) two puffs, you can either discharge two puffs into the Spacer before breathing in, or (my preferred method) take one puff, wait 60 Seconds, then take the 2nd.

Of course, it maybe that your specific Asthma Issues are not fully met by Inhaler Use alone, but it may be worth trying a Spacer before the more expensive / elaborate options you say you’re considering.

Regarding one of your other points, many Asthmatics find their Asthma gets worse when they get a virus, and find they need to continue to use their Inhalers for Breathless, which is often increased by the virus. Chest infections resulting from viruses and / or bacteria often make inhaler use even more critical (some have to increase their inhaler use when they have an infection).

[Hidden in reply to Matman]

Thanks yes got a spacer but using it makes no difference