Inhaler vs nebulizer

[victorino545]

I am curious if any if you are using just a nebulizer instead if inhaler. I have new pulmo doctor and he has me using a nebulizer with Brovana, Budesonide & Ipratroplum Bromide. I have emphysema and have been struggling last couple years ending up in ER or hospital. The nebulizer is not that convenient but if it help keep me well it will be worth it. Thanks for you input.

[sassy59]

Pete uses a nebuliser twice a day victorino and it helps him a lot. He does have inhalers too but doesn’t use them often. Good luck to you. Xxxxxxx

[Stumpy55]

Hello victorino545, I have very severe Emphaseama and bronchiectusis, I use my nebuliser 5 times a day plus two pumps and that helps my breathing, in fact I wouldn't be doing at all well if it wasn't for my nebuliser. I wish you well 🤞😉

[victorino545 in reply to Stumpy55]

Just curious Stumpy if your on oral prednisone! I take 5mg a day and hoping to get off.

[Stumpy55 in reply to victorino545]

Yes I take 5mg a day and I'm quite happy to stay on them. I don't have any bad side affects with them at all. 🙂

[Kandi2 in reply to Stumpy55]

Hi Stumpy: for how long have you been on 5mg preds? What dose did you begin with. Thank you.

Ian. (Norfolk UK)

[victorino545 in reply to Kandi2]

Hi Kandi, I have taken 5ng for 1 1/2 yrs.i was prescribed when I got out hospital. I have gotten down to taking 2mg but end up with problems so I have go back on 5mg.

[Kandi2 in reply to victorino545]

Thank you Victorino.

My pulmonary doctor has me on a programme whereby, in the event of a flare up (but not infection) I take 30mg for 5-7days and then reduce by 10mg daily to zero. The total course being 56x5mg.

The end result is that I have for several years ridden a roller coaster of easier breathing followed by a low period both of poor respiration and increasingly depressed. No one has suggested a maintenance dose to extend/continue a better quality of life.

[victorino545 in reply to Kandi2]

I was on same program as you for awhile until I was having to many flare ups. Then they kept me on maintenance dose steroid. I know they only keep you on as last resort because of side effects. If you continue to have difficulty breathing after going off you should share with your doctor. Ask him about staying in low maintenance dose.

[Stumpy55 in reply to Kandi2]

Hi kandi, well I started with rescue packs like most of us and I still have them as back up for chest infections and really bad exacerbations I have 8 predesalone tapering down to one. I stay on the one per day and feel a lot better for it. Everyone is different with steroids, it's really down to the individual. I wish you well and try it for yourself and see how you get on . Best to go to your G.P first tho . Take care of yourself 🤞😎

[BSA-3 in reply to Stumpy55]

I'm in a similar situation. I was given a nebulizer on discharge 4 or 5 years ago with a repeat 'script' and I'd be truly lost without it. I really struggle to walk, for various reasons, and I keep moving the neb so I have to get up to use it. Just a feeble attempt at Pul Rehab and self-help! 😂 Take care

[victorino545]

Thanks so much for your response. I think because I have entered a more severe stage is why doctor using nebulizer. Supposed to go direct to lungs. I always get nervous when things change and like to hear how my other COOD friends are doing and if it’s helping.

[sagittar]

Are you guy using albuterol with your nebulizer....my doctor told me not to over use it. Get on a maintenance if your using it more 3 time per week.

[victorino545]

No Alburterol, I do have & use only as needed.

[Roessner541]

I use my nebulizer when I need extra.

[lKeith]

victorino545

Hi, read your posting with some interest, I have no experience of one v other as I have both a nebuliser & inhalers. I use Salbutamol in the nebuliser rather than your mix of meds. I too have emphysema and find that the combination of 2No products suit me better.

Good luck with your health.

IKeith

[victorino545]

Thanks so mush for sharing. It always feels better when I get first hand experience. I feel more at ease now knowing there are others using a nebulizer full time.

[dogcyrus]

My local respiratory nurse suggested I use a nebuliser about 3 Times a day with a saline salutation which I did.

Recently I had an exacerbation and ended up in hospital. On her hospital rounds I asked the respiratory consultant about nebulisers and frankly her response staggered me. She said in all probability it was the nebuliser that caused the exacerbation. There is no research nor proof that nebulisers work at home. Then the hospital respiratory nurse repeated the same statement. I’m still very confused as some agree and some don’t including other respiratory consultants. If you feel good using it - I suppose that’s what you should continue todo. Be well.

[Wotnoair41 in reply to dogcyrus]

Hi dogcyrus. I too am on saline solution with my nebulizer. I have Bronchiectasis. I must say that I have had mixed results. I usually do a double dose at night before I go to bed, as that is the time that the Bronch troubles me most if I don't clear my chest before I try to sleep. But some nights it just doesn't work and even though I manage to get some of the sputum up, I am woken up by my wheezing, and have to get up and go to the bathroom to try and clear it using huffing etc. So, there may be something in what your nurse is telling you.

[asthmatim]

Hi Victorino545, I use a nebulizer 3 to 4 times a day as I have brittle asthma. It took me a lot of pushing my respiratory proffessor to look at many testimonials and medical jourals before he would finally give in and give me my nebulizer. All these so called Doctors who have read only one paper that says nebulizers don't work, should tip up the doctorates and find new jobs. Because there is so much evednce that can not be denied. I would be lost without my nebulizer and would of had many more hospitalizations if he was left to his dum thinking. So to all my lung freinds stand up and fight for your rights.

[Hidden]

Inhalers are useful on the go and on a daily basis but if you get a lot of mucus and you think you may be getting an infection good idea to start on your nebs.. well that’s what I do..sometimes I manage to get over things..

Good luck x

[sagittar in reply to Hidden]

what medicine do you use with your neb when you have an infection....right now I only use it with albuterol. I have really have thick mucus ....do you think it help bring stuff up using a neb?

[Hidden in reply to sagittar]

It depends..I had budesonide and ipratropium but now because I am on daily steroids I think last time I had ipratropium and salbutamol. I think it clears your nose, throat, bronchi, better than an inhaler, after I use the nebs I do the huffing breathing technique to clear the mucus, I don’t think I would be able to do so with just the inhalers especially as I tend to get pleurisy. Of course you must carry on with your inhalers as well.

Hope it helps. Take care x

[sagittar]

What is the type of mix medicine some of you are talking about. What type of medicine can you use for with the NEB other than albuterol?

[Huacaya20]

I use Ipatropium bromide in my nebulizer on a daily basis. My pulmonary doc recommends up to 4 times a day, but it seems that once daily is working for me.

I do not like the albuterol. I get too shaky and dont feel that does anything good for me, so I never use my rescue inhaler.

I am on a daily dose of Singulair and using the nebulizer. Staying stable.

[Huacaya20]

I have severe emphysema and only use the nebuliser... no inhaler.

I prefer the nebulizer because I am so sensitive to albuterol and I dont like using steroids on a daily basis.