looking for advice over the past 3 years I have asked the Doctors at my surgery for a nebuliser I am stage 4 COPD and thought I would find it beneficial but on each accation I have been turned down saying that they are for people with asthma who are wheezing yet I often read on this site that people with COPD do find it beneficial can someone please give me some help on how to get one
nebuliser: looking for advice over the... - Lung Conditions C...
nebuliser
![saturdayangel profile image](https://images.hu-production.be/avatars/f2846023e6ef42978427ae92c20f50ad_small@2x_100x100.jpg)
![saturdayangel profile image](https://images.hu-production.be/avatars/f2846023e6ef42978427ae92c20f50ad_small@2x_100x100.jpg)
I have asthma and I discussed this with my lung consultant and he said you can often pick up nebulisers quite cheaply and he got my go to agree to prescribe the medication if I bought the nebuliser.
Unless saturdayangel can convince gp or a consultant of the benefits to them, there is no point in buying a nebuliser. Many GPs are loath to prescribe medication for nebuliser and feel that if someone needs nebuliser treatment they should attend A&E.
However I am surprised that gp isn’t more supportive because often it is refused for asthmatics and considered more for other respiratory issues.
As said previously, sadly if gp won’t support and there is no consultant involvement then there is little that saturdayangel can do.
You can buy a nebuliser, however the medication to go in it often needs a prescription...... which if your doctor/GP/specialist doesn't support won't happen
But if your stage 4 and there is no specialist involvement I would demand a specialist referral... GP's are often out of their depth but don't like to admit defeat... there will probably be something a specialist can help with
My mother in law (who also has COPD) was constantly getting fobbed off ny her gp saying there's nothing else they can do .... I kept saying to the Mrs and the mother in law that's rubbish there's more in my medicine cupboard than yours .... there was still stuff that could be done but the GP didn't know
You can buy a machine online ukUK and the nebs can be bought online uk or abroad or in certain countries abroad.
I sense your frustration about the limitations of the medical professions to assist and help us manage the later stages of this condition. It’s tough isn’t it ?
Nebuliser are not always the answer and using it and managing the meds that go with can be a big bind. I know that from some years ago - when I had one for a few months . I was so pleased to see the back of it.
Nebulisers are now being prescribed more carefully than ever before- only offered to those who can really benefit from using one and then weaned of it as soon as possible.
I’m sure you are doing all you can to keep yourself as well as you can be. I wish you well and hope you have a good winter.
Go well,
Pauline
I had a nebuliser years ago for my Asthma exacerbations, one I was undercontrol, I didnt need it.More recently I was advised by Asthma nurse that its quicker to take 10 puffs of salbutomol than it is to set up the nebuliser.
Its a bit more complicated now I have Bronchiectasis.
As a teen smoker (Im now 61) I recognise its an addiction, so I ask this question kindly, do you still smoke?
I bought mine off e-bay & get the meds to put in it off doctor. X
You really need to see a consultant who can help you with better medication. Ask your doctor for a referral, you definitely need one.
Good luck
Wendy x
Hi there, I have bronchiectasis, copd and asthma. I was given a nebuliser many years ago under their suggestion as breathing is very difficult for me. I know they say if you're ill enough to have one then you need a & e however, I'd be in there every day. I have a lot of drugs pushed through my nebuliser each day. I have noted lately with being in hospital so much ,that it is getting more and more difficult to get a nebuliser stating in short supply. I am wondering if you are on oxygen? As this may be the area you need to enquire to your consultant aswell. I'm sorry I'm new to ever responding on this site but wanted to advise. Muck to bring up off your lungs and to open airways...or saturations being the situation. Sorry if its not a helpful reply Good luck
A nebuliser isn't just for those with asthma or are wheezing. I have COPD and when unwell, the first thing I am told is to nebulise. Nebulisers have come down in price over the years and you can buy them quite cheaply on Amazon.
the reluctance to supply these machines has had me puzzled for years . About fifteen years ago, after five years of hospital admissions, it was obvious that the first line of assistance in a&e was to be nebulised. This was the reason I purchased my own.