Nebuliser at home, what's the point? - Asthma Community ...

Asthma Community Forum

22,274 members24,750 posts

Nebuliser at home, what's the point?

yaf_user681_46974 profile image
6 Replies

After recent viral infections causing havoc with my sons asthma the GP suggested buying a nebuliser for home. My question is, what's the point of having the equipment without the medicine to back it up.

Has anyone purchased their own? Only I've done what was asked and purchased a reasonable priced one but again what's the point really

Written by
yaf_user681_46974 profile image
yaf_user681_46974
To view profiles and participate in discussions please or .
Read more about...
6 Replies
Thomass_mum profile image
Thomass_mum

Can I just ask what country you are in?

I know from our experience my sons consultant will not allow home nebs. He told us they can mask how bad a child is and you may not realise until they are very ill. If my son is ill enough to need nebs he needs to be in hospital as he deteriorates very quickly.

yaf_user681_46974 profile image
yaf_user681_46974

Thanks for the reply we're uk southwest area. GP won't prescribe the medicine but just wanted us to have a Neb at home! I'm confused

Thomass_mum profile image
Thomass_mum

What's the point of having one if they won't prescribe the salbutamol nebs?

I know in USA they seem to have them routinely but in the uk I don't think many children are given them.

yaf_user681_15459 profile image
yaf_user681_15459

We are in the SW too. We have a home neb for steroid and saline use for our 5yr old. However our GP prescribes Salbutamol nebs too. I refuse to use them (I would take her to the ward or call an ambulance if bad) but its good to know we have the back up while we wait for paramedics should we need.

yaf_user681_46974 profile image
yaf_user681_46974

I thought about using saline but the instructions say not too. I'm going to contact the GP for clarification. Thank you for your comments everyone

Corry you shouldn't use saline without agreement from your treating doctor - and a prescription for sterile saline nebs (don't make your own!). Saline can cause bronchospasm in some people with asthma, I had to have my first saline nebs in the hospital to ensure they were safe for me to use.

I am so puzzled that they have suggested a nebuliser but won't prescribe the meds... very weird. Hope your GP can give you some enlightenment! :)

Not what you're looking for?

You may also like...

Home Nebuliser

Hi All, It's that time of year again for me when the hay fever kicks in setting off my asthma, I...

Home Nebuliser

Hi, i'm a new user as i've decided to reach out beyond the nhs, i'm frustrated at how little i've...

Home Nebuliser

Hello I'm a brittle asthmatic and I've been hospital and needed more nebulisers this last year than...

Home Nebuliser Trial

Hi everyone I have been started on a bunch of new medication for my severe brittle asthma and also...

Purchasing a nebuliser for use at home

I have been advised to buy my own nebuliser for use at home not by my GP but by a Dr I know. They...