Newbie still finding stuff out

[The-perfect-storm]

I have very recently been diagnosed with pulmonary fibrosis, the cough is particularly troublesome. I want to ask is a nebuliser something that would help me, I would just be looking at mist inhalation of either saline or straight water.

Thank you

[Tweetie13]

I have IPF saline neb 4 times a day. Riccola honey herb cough sweets help with my cough.

[Oshgosh]

You need to ask your GO/ consultant/ respiratory nurse about them getting you a nebuliser.

I nebulise at least twice daily and it helps me cough all the phlegm up.

Ialsotake carbocysteine 2 twice daily.

My diagnosis is Non Specific intersitial Pneumonia.

Have pulmonary fibrosis assell,

[Izb1]

Hi The perfect storm and welcome to the site. Ask your nurse/gp they can advise you x

[Durcot]

Any salt in any form is not the best thing to have. It doesnt thin the the mucus, water and alot of it thins the mucus which allows you to spit up better and faster which slows down the coughing, that's what I learned.

I have sever COPD and sever ASTHMA I tried everything to stop the coughing I had. My VA doctor (military doctor) told me just use water. But I ordered a salt inhaler and my coughing got worse, told the doctor what I did and ge said get off that salt asap or you will get worse.

Good luck with your journey

God Bless

[Aingeful]

I have IPF, I was diagnosed 2 years ago.I asked about my cough(sometimes it's worse than others)My consultant suggested cough pastilles etc. but said not to try to stop the cough as this is the way my lungs clear themselves.Nothing has been said re nebulisers so I presume that they wouldn't be useful to me.

[Durcot]

I'm sorry but I have to say something to all . In the US I dont have to talk to the go between ( nurse ) we speak directly to the doctor. I have questions and the doc answers them. They dont give up on you as it seems like I'm hearing in other countries. Maybe it's because I have a VA doctor ( military doctor ) but you have to be stubborn as ITS YOUR LIFE .

I wish you all Gods Blessings

[The-perfect-storm in reply to Durcot]

I feel I need to reply: I appreciate that you're in the US and that your health system operates very differently to our NHS but I personally don't feel 'given up on'. Our system isn't perfect, it is largely underfunded, understaffed and dare I say inefficient, but; as such, our resources (Dr's nurses etc) are overstretched. Whilst my personal physician (GP) initiates a consultation with the hospital having recognised a problem with their patient a lot of GP's whilst having some specialist knowledge are not equipped to deal with complex and specialist disciplines.

This where the consultant comes in and they either through detailed studies, many years of experience (usually a mixture of both) are best placed to investigate and devise treatment or management plans for the patients condition. Once this has been done advice and reassurance can often given by specialist experienced health professionals (eg nurses) rather than waiting for hard pressed (and costly) consultants to fit you into their schedules. So rather than feeling abandoned or 'fobbed' off I see it as making most efficient use of scarce resources. I trust that if my condition is worsening or giving cause for concern then I would always be referred direct back to the consultant.

My experience has been that hospitals are now very good at communicating with GP's so whilst you are still under the care of the hospital your GP often has access to the information to help you and can often communicate directly with your specialist team in order to get you seen quickly if neccesary. It may seem cumbersome but it works (most of the time).

I will say that that now the NHS relies heavily on patients managing their own condition and symptoms rather than running back and forth to the Dr (my perception) whereas in the past I think treatment and management was very much Dr led. This approach is fine for some but not for everyone, some people need a lot of support and reassurance and indeed need to be told what to do at every stage, and of course there are those that very frightened about their condition and truly don't want to know anything other than essential info.

Sorry my reply is very long but I felt I needed to clear any misconception, I hope your condition remains well managed and wish you well for the future

Fred

[Durcot in reply to The-perfect-storm]

Sir Im not implying that your health care in the UK is subpar. Sounds like theres not enough doctors there. Nurses though do fine work are not the final word on your illness as doctors. Though educated I guess I'm spoiled as I have a great doctor that works with me and answered all my questions. What I've read here on this sight shocks me at times. Never the less I think you for responding, I never thought you had a shortage of doctors there. I wish all the best to you and the the people of UK.

[astragal]

Hi

I find a spoonful of honey helps the cough at times, and there are various throat and cough lozenges that may ease it. Aloe Vera is soothing for an irritated throat.

I use saline in my nebuliser but it is a very low level 0.7 .

As with most things the experts have varying opinions regarding what works.

Personally I have had quite a few bad experiences with the nhs. I trained as a psychiatric nurse many years ago, things were very different Matron was a prominent figure. Over the past 4 years unfortunately I have been in hospital quite a bit. I was saddened by some of the care given.

I appreciate that there is understaffing and certainly underfunding.

But work wise, with improved technology, updated equipment and small wards in theory it should be easier nowadays. Also no matter what era or circumstance there should always be a degree of professionalism, ideally one would hope for empathy, respect and at the very least good hygiene practices.

No doubt it varies from county to county, hospital to hospital.

I’ll get off my soapbox now, it’s just something I feel strongly about.

I wish you all the best and hope you find something that works for you.

[The-perfect-storm in reply to astragal]

Thank you for your reply, over the years I have experienced less than ideal practices a certain lack of empathy and sometimes laziness like the time I was left with a stitch removal kit with the words It'll probably be quicker if you do this yourself, I'll be back when I can, sometime later a second nurse appeared to see why the curtains were round, and it transpired the original person had gone home at the end of their shift. Anyway that was a lot of years ago I was a teenager with attitude and its given me one of those stories that people find unbelievable, but I can laugh now.

Recently I have found most health professionals a pleasure to do with. AS for some of the stories I have read on this and other health forums I just wouldn't tolerate it, but I'm a lot tougher and look it although I do have a soft side. Usually a look and a cutting comment results in people having 2nd thoughts about crossing me lol