aerobika

[GinnyMa]

i am frustrated by being unable to cough up mucus using the aerobika. I have watched videos and the comments say how helpful they are….I have no luck…any advice

[Mariella49]

Do you nebulise 7% saline before using the Aerobika? I would not get anything up without having two puffs of salbutamol and then nebulising 7% saline before using the Aerobika. Some people also take carbocysteine to thin the mucus.

[PW_R in reply to Mariella49]

Did someone go through the nebulising saline or are you meant to purchase it and figure it out yourself?

[Mariella49 in reply to PW_R]

It was prescribed at the bronchiectasis clinic, but only when I asked about it. I now get it on prescription from the GP.

[Hidden in reply to PW_R]

I was never prescribed it but I take it when I'm bad and it definitely works.

[Patk1]

Do u hear or feel mucous in lungs GinnyMa. If so ru on a mucolytic to thin it + make easier to get up?u may know already,but if not,it's best used in conjunction with lung clearance techniques - see aluk website for acbt( active cycle of breathing technique) & postural drainage.its worth seeing a lung physio who will help

[GinnyMa in reply to Patk1]

Thank for for good advice

[Alberta56]

You need to see someone who will make sure your technique is as good as it can be. I am on Carbocisteine, which helps.

[GinnyMa in reply to Alberta56]

My pulmonary doc said our hospital doesn ‘t have such a person

[Alberta56 in reply to GinnyMa]

There ought to be a respiratory nurse at the hospital or at your surgery. Perhaps it is assumed everyone is computer literate these days and can get all the instruction needed from the internet.

[janedivney]

I wouldn’t clear my lungs at all without 7% saline, it’s essential because my sputum is unbelievably thick & sticky. You need to ask your consultant about it. Personally I don’t find the aerobika helpful. I use a PEP mask instead, given to me by the physios

[GinnyMa in reply to janedivney]

Thank you. I will try the saline vial only and see if it helps

[janedivney in reply to GinnyMa]

You need 7% though, ordinary saline (0.9%) doesn’t work because that’s the same salinity as the body’s cells.

[GinnyMa in reply to janedivney]

Oh, my sodium is only 3% and i mix with ipratropium bromide and albuterol sulfate

[janedivney in reply to GinnyMa]

When my asthma was out of control I tried 3%, because the 7% increased my wheeze, but I didn’t find it at all effective, and the Brompton physios said not many people do. Now I’m on biologic medication & my asthma is better controlled, so I can tolerate 7%. It liquefies the sputum much better than 3%. You have to try it under supervision at first, because it can cause bronchospasm, but as long as your peak flow doesn’t drop by more than 20% you’re good to go. I’m in the UK, not sure where you are

[Yendo]

I’ve never used an Aerobika, I use an Air Physio instead which works very well every time I use it, I wouldn’t be without it.