Using a nebulizer

[Chesty1307]

Hi all. I'm a 66 year old & have to use a nebuliser to get the phlegm from my chest, it makes me feel 96? I always use it in private but it does get me down. Does anyone else feel the same??

[Damon1864 Volunteer]

Hello Chesty, I hate using my nebulizer in front of people so I know how you feel. Have a good night and take care 😊 Bernadette and Jack 🐕 xxxxxx

[sassy59]

Pete uses his nebuliser twice a day and prefers to do it with just me in the room but sometimes family are present. It’s not an enjoyable experience at all. Xxx

[Hidden]

I also use a nebuliser to inhale 7% saline, without that I couldn’t clear the rubbish from my lungs. I do it in private too, except for my husband who’s usually around somewhere. He doesn’t count 😜

It used to get me down, but now it’s just part of the regime to keep me (mainly) well, so I just do it & then get on with my life. It’s time-consuming & boring tho, I’ll give you that!

[Hidden]

I have been nebulising various meds since 1981. As with everything else that is part of my self management, I shut every body else OUT.

[Badbessie]

I think most can relate to your post in some way. We all do things to get through day that can be disheartening to say the least. Personally I try to think of what doing things that I dislike allows me to continue to do rather than the negative aspects. However sadly remaining positive sometimes fails as the medications and inhalers become a miserable chore at times. Remember there is support out there if you reach out.

[cofdrop-UK]

Ditto what Badbessie said. It’s tiresome and a pain in the a*** but on the positive side we are lucky as we would be b******* without all the stuff we have. Self management is hard for sure. Cx

Sorry didn’t realise you are new to this friendly forum or I would have wished you a very warm welcome. X

[CDPO16]

From your profile you've really been through it. Welcome to the forum. I hope that the replies you have had from members who nebulise too has given you some reassurance. Lots of support here for everyone living with lung disease.

[Alberta56]

Welcome to the forum.

[Patsy164]

Hi Chesty hello and welcome. I felt the same way about using my nebuliser at first but realising how it helped me it has become part of my daily regime. I don’t look at it all as I am getting old but as I need help to keep my chest clear which enables me to do more.

I hope you have had some good replies to help as you will always get sound advice on this site from people with the same chest problems or even from those who don’t. When I was first diagnosed in 2017, this site was my saviour, everything was explained and there were people in the same boat as me. It certainly helped me. 😊

[Lfcpremier]

Snap. I'm 66 with Bronchiectasis & use a saline 7%solution in my nebuliser to try & help get very thick sticky mucus off my lungs. Been using it 10 yrs now... Suppose I'm used to it. But find the illness abhorrent. Won't use it in front of people, only close family.

[ninelives]

Welcome to the forum Chesty.Some great replies from others that I don't have much to add to.

I also nebulise usually at home.

Please do reach out if you feel fragile -we all do at times -its not easy living with long term health conditions.

Wishing you well.

[johnderby]

Hi Chesty and welcome to the site. You are among friends on here and there is always someone here to share your experiences with. I too use a nebulizer and always use it when alone. If it helps then it is worth doing. Keep safe. John 😀

[Morrison10]

Hi, I’m new to this group, I have PCD, In that hub, but have been getting messages from BLF for couple of weeks, as PCD results in bronchiestasis, with which I was diagnosed at age 33. I’m now 86, but was only prescribed Nebuliser couple of years ago, when I started to see more interested consultant. It’s helped, although yes does take up time, as does drainage afterwards, but hey it’s keeping me on my feet. As I’m widow living alone usually do it when no one else can see, but don’t worry about other people seeing me breathing steam! Have a broken flattened nose from flying debris in war, so cant nose breath, always refused reconstruction operation. Like positive attitudes, good luck.

For all men in group, please note that PSA test for prostate cancer is totally unreliable. My husband had 14 years fighting it, but mostly NHS, as his PSA readings were always very low, even when he died. Hope I can save few lives by making this problem known. Good luck everyone.

[Straddie]

I also hate using my nebuliser in front of others, except my husband. But I am so relieved to have it. It really does do the job of loosening my phlegm and getting my chest clearance right. Before I had it, my chest was so heavy, I felt I was drowning in my own mucus, rather like the poor people with Covid must feel. I use mine twice a day, ventalin and mucus clearer. My third year. I can’t say I have learned to love it, but I am certainly grateful for it.

[Nanny1086]

hi chesty i understand your feelings i was the same at first , if i have to use it it’s always when i’m upstairs , but my family totally understand that i need to ease my breathing so i don’t feel embarrassed now , have you ever tried using a flutter device to help with your chest clearance ,,? my COPD nurse prescribed one for me and i use it morning and night and if i’ve got a chest infection more often , it doesn’t require any additional medication, have a look on you tube it shows you how to use it ,,,, it’s similar to the huff we are taught at pulmary rehabilitation,,, ( the best thing i ever did ) hope you soon feel improved and no longer embarrassed,

[Delamere]

Most definitely. I am in hospital at the moment with no privacy at all so stopped chest clearance. In desperation yesterday l made it down to ground floor and shut myself in disabled public toilet there to do it ! The lengths we will go to in order to preserve some sort of dignity

[Ramy22]

Hello! I spend my time nebulizing checking my emails, looking at social media (l’m doing it now). I also play candy crush. Been doing this twice a day (occasionally 3 times a day) for about 4 years. It becomes normal..... I have bronchiectasis.

[Nanny1086 in reply to Ramy22]

snap , that’s how i pass my time when using nebuliser , a bit of candy crush or solitaire , 😀,

[asafoetida2020]

Hi Chesty, How about trying essential oil inhalations to get rid of your phlegm. I use asafoetida oil but because of its odour i am banned to the garage to do my inhalations. It is a relatively quick process and has the added benefits of clearing my sinuses and nasal area. Done at night it helps me sleep and has reduced my night time coughing. Look at the Norfolk essential oils website for details of the oil. Good luck

[Dovecote6]

Hi Chesty l also feel like you it's like having another chore l don't get embarrassed it just takes time to get the nebuliser set up and more time using it. I put music on or watch television and sometimes play candy crush . l shouldn't complain should be grateful to the consultant and the hospital l have had my nebuliser 6 years Keep well and Take Care xx

[Nanny1086 in reply to Dovecote6]

candy crush ,,,, love it ,,, i was first diagnosed at hospital when admitted with my first asthma attack age 46 ,over the years i also developed bronchiectasis ,emphasyma ,Copd, on admission i was given a nebuliser which i hated , the nurse suggested i buy one to use at home in emergency, ,,, but when i asked my GP, he said i wasn’t i’ll enough to need one , but my husband said go by what the nurse said ,,, i bought the Phillips one the same as i had used in the hospital , and i’m so glad i did ,it’s been a life saver on many occasions, i’m on my second one now and wouldn’t be without it , i’m age 75 now , take care .