Nebuliser

[sandraseptember17]

Can anyone advise me on a nebuliser I have COPD and was wondering if it would help with periods of shortness of breath.

[Bevvy]

The most important advice I can give you is don’t look into nebulisers until you have discussed this with your gp or if you have one your consultant. This is because many GPs will not prescribe the medication for them, which would mean a complete waste of money for you. Some people got their nebuliser via NHS but I have always bought my own. I didn’t purchase one until it was suggested to me by my gp. I have an Omron portable nebuliser and am very happy with it.

[sandraseptember17 in reply to Bevvy]

Thankyou Bevvy for getting back.I have spoken to the Dr this evening but she does not recommend it she said if I need one of those then I should be in hospital so I didn't get very far on that one.

However she said to try a different inhaler called Trimbo

so I will give it a go maybe someone on this site could give me a bit more info

[garshe in reply to sandraseptember17]

Why on earth did your Doctor say if you needed a nebuliser you would be in hospital. How ridiculous My Respiratory team supplied me with my nebuliser and I find it very helpfull with clearing my airway and this makes my breathing easier.

I don't use it every day usually about twice a week. If I have an exacerbation of my COPD then I use it twice once in the morning and again in the evening.

You do have to have the medication for it prescribed by GP. My Respiratory team arranged this so when I need to re stock I just phone my surgery and they arrange a prescription.

I will add a photo of mine. Speak to your Respiratory team . Good luck xxSheila 💕⚘

Supplied by my Respiratory Team .

[Karenanne61 in reply to garshe]

The nebuliser business is another example of the postcode lottery. I have had one dr say if you're sick enough to need one you should be in hospital, others seem to be ok to prescribe the ampoules if it's use has been recommended by a consultant. Sometimes we don't know ' whether we're on foot or horse back'! ( P.s. I went on a birthday shopping spree but came home empty handed - so many shops now tell you to "look online" 😪)

[garshe in reply to Karenanne61]

Mine was first given to me when I was admitted to hospital by the Registrar on Duty . I was given it along with other medication and told I did not have to return it. This was approx 5yrs ago . I used it during that exacerbation then put it away and only used it when needed.

I forgot about it for the past 2yrs but when my Respiratory team visited during an infection I had., I was asked if I had a nebuliser. When I went to use it found it was not working. The Team kindly replaced it with a new one and notified my GP to prescribe the Sodium Chloride phials which is the medication

I use it only when required and am fortunate to have the support of a great Respiratory team .xxSheila 💕

[sandraseptember17 in reply to garshe]

Thanks for getting back I don't have a respiratory team so it's difficult to know what's best if I buy my own I would still need a prescription for the medicine.

[Tykelady in reply to sandraseptember17]

I have been on Trimbow for almost two years now, replacing Fostair and Dry Powder Genuaire. For me it has made a big difference although I now have home oxygen as well. I have never had a nebuliser mentioned to me.

[hypercat54 in reply to sandraseptember17]

My copd nurse recently changed my inhaler from Fostaire to Trimbow due to increased breathlessness. To be honest I can't say it's made any real difference.

[Cloudancer in reply to Bevvy]

Great reply -I also have an Omron one that runs on both mains and batteries.Many doctors are not happy prescribing the nebuliser solution as some feel that if you are sick enough to need a nebuliser to aid breathing you need to be medically assessed.

Others are happy to prescribe the meds.

Let us know how you get on and good luck.

[Lizzab]

If you can afford it get one from Amazon and start using it with a saline solution which you can also buy on Amazon.

I thought it was best to get one and get used to it and cleaning it before I was ill. I used it during having covid.

[darlikxxx9dx in reply to Lizzab]

have been using one fo r fifteen yrs my machine is supplied by the NHS PLUS SALINE doctors work differently, i use it more in winter , a good blast does the job , so carry on also bought a spare one portable , got it from lidl 35pound of all places but its a cracking machine good luck

[Lizzab in reply to darlikxxx9dx]

Sounds like it really is worth a try.

[MoyB in reply to Lizzab]

Do you use it with saline only? xx Moy

[Lizzab in reply to MoyB]

Yes just saline. I don't have a prescription for inhaled salbutamol.

[MoyB in reply to Lizzab]

Thank you. I've been struggling this week and have purchased a small portable nebuliser and saline but haven't used it yet (it only arrived this afternoon). I was reading other posts and was worried that I needed something else in the way of meds, but I only really want it to assist with the incredibly dry cough I get with my asthma. I think the mist should help with it. I already have inhalers (Relvar, Spiriva and Ventolin) so think I have enough 'meds' - just need something to help with comfort.

Thanks again for your very quick reply. I'll give it a good clean now and use it as necessary. xx Moy

[Lizzab in reply to MoyB]

If it doesn't resolve your problem then you my need a different inhaler. It took well over a year to find the right inhaler for me. It changed everything!

[XS1100]

As Bevvy has said, might initially be a waste of money. My partner bought me one, along with a box of saline solution as a 'just in case'. Unfortunately we didn't realise that I'd need to use prescribed medication with it. Call me stupid but I assumed that the pharmacy would've told us this. Glad you've managed to speak to your GP. Take care.

[Morrison10]

I have to Nebulise twice daily, because my PCD, includes bronchiectasis. Mine is NHS Phillips. Bought portable Phillips for holidays and days out etc. Use Salbutamol and sodium chloride prescribed by consultant. Takes up couple of hours, and stereliz after every use. It’s keeping me active. Jean

[Mooka]

I use one twice a day and I’m not in hospital! Such a stupid remark. If you decide to buy one have a look at evergreen nebulisers first. They will advise you on the machine you need for your medication and won’t charge VAT. They’re very helpful. As others have said you will need your GP to prescribe the meds though.

[JJ_7]

I use a nebuliser with salbutamol and saline 4x24hrs when I have an exacerbation and 2x24hrs the rest of the time. It is very helpful but time consuming. I have a standard Omron and a portable. I bought them here:

evergreen-nebulizers.co.uk/...

Best wishes. JJx

[ghousrider]

good day yes i have on i used it 4 times a day very helpfull but doe tie you down alot & getting neds for it can be a pain in the ass / they are ok i stated using mine through the night to all the best ghoust rider