First Time Nebuliser Use

[LizPat30]

Hi everyone, my Respiratory Consultant has suggested I try nebulising with saline to help clear my chest and hopefully reduce the problem of mucus plugging which then impacts my breathing obviously. I’ve bought the nebuliser and have the saline on prescription. My query is I’ve read when using for the first time this should be under supervision, my GP practice seemed surprised at my request. I wondered what my friends on the forum had done when starting to use a nebulise? As always thank you for your help and suggestions. Jo xxx

[sassy59]

Pete’s had a nebuliser for years but when first introduced to one he was an inpatient at Royal Brompton hospital so was shown what to do. I’ve no idea who would supervise you but they are easy to use.

It’s all well and good having things prescribed but it can be a bit daunting at first. I hope someone can help should you need it. Wishing you well. Xx

[LizPat30 in reply to sassy59]

Thank you for replying. I will probably just get on and do it if help not available!

[jackdup in reply to LizPat30]

I would look on YouTube as there seems to be guides and instructions for just about everything.

[Pachira in reply to LizPat30]

I got no instruction either and I’m in the States. I looked on you tube and there was a lot of videos. You can also see how they recommend you clean it. I can prop my kindle up for easy reading so I’m a happy camper! Makes the time go faster. You should be using a bronchodilator like abuterol/ventolin first to open your airways. That has a lasting effect of up to 5 hours. I started at 3% saline and after about 3 months I moved to 7% saline which I seem to tolerate well enough. I know some people have difficulty. Good luck!

[Alberta56]

Good luck. I hope you find someone to help.

[Chip_y2kuk]

The hospital *insisted* before they got the doctor to prescribe the saline I had the first one done at the hospital ... so my first one was done in hospital it was spirometry saline and then spirometry.... they where looking for my fev1 dropping (it didnt)

[LizPat30 in reply to Chip_y2kuk]

Thank you this reinforces my concern that it needs to supervised initially.

[Chip_y2kuk in reply to LizPat30]

What strength of saline is it? (I didn't know saline came in different strengths, but it does)

[LizPat30 in reply to Chip_y2kuk]

It’s 0.9%, I do hope it makes a difference!

[Chip_y2kuk in reply to LizPat30]

Ah, that may be why.... 0.9% is classed as Isotonic (it closely matches the body's saltiness).. .thats the percentage eye wash/wound wash saline capsules are

If its for mucus you really want "Hypertonic saline" .... which I know comes in 3% and 6% I've also heard somewhere the occasional person being on 7% ... im on 6% and that's salty enough

Are you also on carbocistine? ... thats only purpose in life is to break down mucus making it easier to move.... it can cause/aggravate reflux ... but that's its only well known side effect

[y_not]

I was advised by an emergency doctor to get a nebuliser from Amazon/eBay BUT never to buy nebules from there - always from the GP.I've never had supervision, I just take it aware that it ALWAYS causes palpitations that start soon after I start using it and continue for around an hour. I understand that, for some, tge palpitations are not pleasant, I just accept them as a necessary side effect to get yhe benefit.

If course, nebules ore on my repeat prescription so my GP is fully aware of what I'm doing.

I take 2 x Salbutamol nebules each time to help clear my airways and it does a grand job!

I also use (well, my wife uses) a percussion massager on the back of my ribcage while I slump forward. It makes me cough a lot but clears phlegm really well.

Good luck, whatever you decide to do.

[sassy59 in reply to y_not]

Good to see you y_not. Hope you’re doing ok xx

[y_not in reply to sassy59]

Fine, thanks. You okay?Life got sort of busy as my first grandson arrived a year or so ago - never seem to find time for anything else.

[sassy59 in reply to y_not]

Glad you’re doing ok as are we thank you. How lovely to welcome your first grandson. You’ll be kept very busy now but grandchildren are worth it. X

[LizPat30 in reply to y_not]

Thank you, I’m intending to try tomorrow, fingers crossed! Xx

[garshe in reply to y_not]

I too get palpitations and feel worse. Hate it. Mine was prescribed by ny Respiritory team for free. I prefer taking Carbosisteine loosens mucus .xx.Sheila

[y_not in reply to garshe]

I get that, hate the palpitations but love the effects of clearing the breathing. Like everything, not for everyone.

Stay safe.

[lungs in reply to y_not]

What is a percussion massager please? Is it a gadget of some sort and where can I get one? Thanks

[y_not in reply to lungs]

A regular massager just vibrates whereas these provide a rapid thumping action. Cost from about £20 upwards on Amazon - just search "percussion massager"I find that, whenever I've got phlegm stuck, I get the wife to use the massager on the back of the ribcage and it usually sorts it in minutes.

Hope it's useful to you.

[Swizzy]

If you are going to use isotonic saline which is 0.9% you can do this without having to do the first dose at the hospital. If you want to use hypertonic saline 3%,5%, or 7% and much stronger you need to do it in the hospital to make sure that you don't have an adverse reaction. I have nebulised isotonic saline for about 20 years and it works beautifully for me. Hypertonic is too strong for me. I would start by using isotonic saline which is the one that your GP is likely to give you and see if it helps. You will need to be using it a couple of weeks probably before you notice a difference.

[LizPat30 in reply to Swizzy]

I’ve just checked, he’s prescribed 0.9%. So tomorrow I’ll sterilise the nebuliser and have my first attempt. Thank you so much for your help xxx

[Swizzy in reply to LizPat30]

You are so welcome. I'm glad that it all seems to be coming clear.

[LizPat30 in reply to Swizzy]

Isn’t this forum wonderful, people that’ll we will never meet who care xxx

[Swizzy in reply to LizPat30]

Yes it's good how people share their experiences with others so that they can find out what suits them and boy are we all different!

[Patk1]

It's a gd idea to use salbutamol 1st,then saline.U can read up on aluk website- lung Clearance = active cycle of breathing and watch on you tube .the important thing to be aware of is the saline will loosenmucous - its most important that you get it up. I use the acbt,plus gentle taps across chest + ribcage,and turn side to side to help move mucous, then " huffing" technique to get it up personally I use disposable plastic cups so can see how much,colour+ consistency× dispose of with tissues in the cup and nappy bags

[LizPat30]

Thank you for taking the time to reply that’s so kind. I do already use the Autogenic app, but my chest is not easy to clear, hence the suggestion to try a nebuliser as well. Xxx

[y_not in reply to LizPat30]

You are prescribed with Carbocisteine, aren't you?I take 4 a day (2 x 2) and they dilute the phlegm quite a bit.

Sorry, only just thought about it.

[LizPat30 in reply to y_not]

No I can’t take it, it upsets my stomach and actually didn’t make much difference to me.

[y_not in reply to LizPat30]

Oh, okay. Was just a thought. Good luck with the nebuliser

[ilos in reply to LizPat30]

I didn't get on with Carbocisteine. I find Acetylcysteine suits me better

[Cloudancer]

I had had nebulisers in hospital so had some idea how to set up and use. No one explained how important it was to dismantle and wash in warm soapy water to avoid infections after each use!

Good luck !

[Patk1 in reply to Cloudancer]

I sterilise mine,using baby bottle sterilising tablets( boots).only takes 15mins

[Tlc1940]

It's easy. Put the solution in the container attached to the mask. Make sure the little diffuser in the chamber is there, don't lose it. I know from experience that it can fall out and you can never find the thing. You may have a fixed diffuser, but do check. It won't work without the diffuser. Put the mask on, switch it on and relax. That's it. No serious issues.

[Tinker26 in reply to Tlc1940]

I was shown as an outpatient how to use my nebuliser which was given free on the NHS. A nurse and physio showed me and checked me after use to ensure that I did not have a bronchospasm ,please check first for safety

[LizPat30 in reply to Tlc1940]

I’m going for it! 😁😁Thanks for your help xxx

[Didgeydo]

Hi to you,there is no need for expert GP advice,just use the nebuliser and saline.I use mine four times a day but you may only need to use yours the once,just see how your chest feels after the first time. I also use the nebules of atrovan as well..See if you can be prescribed Carbosistene as they help the mucus on my lungs to lessen. Although I am on a heavy dose of 8 Carbosistene you may only need a smaller dose Take care and hope you soon feel better x

[LizPat30 in reply to Didgeydo]

Thank you, I have had carbosistene previously but it upsets my stomach so I can’t take. Thanks for your help xxx

[armstrong2]

hi me too on nebuliseronly temporary have had a series setback with pneumonia hospitalized but home now ....it is very easy using the nebuliser providing you put the liquid in the right compartment ..l was quickly shown ..once done breathing is back to normal ...wonderful ...wishing you good luck

[Patk1 in reply to armstrong2]

Get well soon armstrong2 x

[armstrong2 in reply to Patk1]

thanks ...now on virtual ward ..having community nurses call daily ..better than been in hospital

[Shirleyj]

I was given my nebuliser in lock down, I inhale 0.9 saline, which is the mildest and shouldn't cause you any problems. Hope it works well for you. I find it very soothing on my lungs and it does help bring the gunk up.

[suef]

I did'nt have supervision nothing to it. Good luck.

[Mooka]

I was supervised the first time as I was told it could cause a bronchospasm. Spirometry before and after. I do nebulise antibiotics. If you have any chest tightness go back to your doctor. I had salbutamol added to my nebuliser which stopped it. Good luck I hope it helps.

[Timberman]

I have been using mine for a while. At first only with salbutamol but lately also with follow up saline solution. No one ever suggested supervision but then my first use was in hospital so I am guessing that counts as supervision? There are no traps. You should be able to set it up easily enough and can discover how long your saline dosage should take (usually starts at 5 minutes). One tip - keep control of the waste bits - your wife will go barmy if they block here vacuum cleaner...!"

[Nula2]

Hi Jo, I have saline nebs on prescription from GP. Mine are 0.9%. Hospital loaned me a Nebuliser for a month to see if it helped then I had to buy my own. I bought a Pari Compact from Amazon. Took me awhile to get the hang of it but am managing ok with it now. It helps with clearance along side inhalers, mucus thinners, breathing techniques and my Acapella Choice. xxx

[LizPat30 in reply to Nula2]

Thank you Nula, I do hope it makes a difference for me. How do you clean it? Jo

[Nula2 in reply to LizPat30]

I use a mouthpiece and I just rinse the mouthpiece under tepid water and drain it. Mainly to help prevent a build up of salt. I think you're supposed to sterilise it but I haven't done that so far. xxx

[Patk1 in reply to Nula2]

I prefer using mouthpiece tooNula2. I'm on 7% so don't fancy exposing skin to both it + salbutamol x

[Nula2 in reply to Patk1]

I don't blame you! I use a mouthpiece because I found the mask made me feel claustrophobic xxx