Breathing thing used in my PLF?

[DustinS85]

I did my Pulmonary Lung Function today and the woman had me breath from this substance. She called it a bronchodilator, but it wasn’t a standard inhaler. It had a bulb on the bottom and it was giving out a mist/smoke. The bulb was getting cold as I held it and there was a tube on top I breathed in and out of. What was this?

[Caspiana]

Hello DustinS85 .

I am guessing it was as the lady said, a bronchodilator. I had that test too. It's a medication that relaxes the lung muscles and broadens the bronchi. They use it to see how effective these drugs are for us and if they make a difference in our breathing.

There are basically three kinds, beta 2 agonists like sulbutamol, anticholinergics such as ipratropium and theophilline.

My knowledge is somewhat limited but that's what I do know. I don't think it's anything to be too worried about.

Have a lovely weekend.

Cas xx 🍀🐝🐞

[DustinS85 in reply to Caspiana]

I know it was cold and made crackling sounds in the container.

[Caspiana in reply to DustinS85]

I don't recall exactly, but I think that's how it goes. Are you concerned about anything in particular about it?

[DustinS85 in reply to Caspiana]

Just wondering what it was called the device they used.

[Caspiana in reply to DustinS85]

I'm not sure what the device itself is called. Could be a spacer. But I don't know.

[andyrrc]

I think you will find it is called a nebulizer. I use one when I need to get the maximum effect from the bronchodilator- it gets into the lungs a lot quicker and deeper the normal inhaler so it acts faster

[Symes]

What andyrrc said. Sounds very much like a nebuliser. I’ve taken them a lot over the years to help calm my asthma attacks.

[DustinS85 in reply to Symes]

Yeah. That is what it was.

[Hidden]

Hi yes you can buy a nebulizer for around 40 pounds from Lloyds pharmacy but other places will stock them ...I bought mine and then my gp prescribed the ventolin and tiotroprium bromide (spiriva) ...they are also given in hospitals 3_4 times a day when on respiratory wards usually ...

[mrsmummy]

As Hidden says they are easily bought but do remain aware that they are of no use unless your doctor will prescribe the nebules.

[Hidden in reply to mrsmummy]

Oh yes good job you reminded dustinS85 of that ..thankyou ☺