My physio has recommended I use one of these to help with the symptoms of bronchiectasis. I'm interested to know of people's experience please.
Powerbreathe IMT: My physio has... - Lung Conditions C...
Powerbreathe IMT
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PernodGirl
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One of what? Was there supposed to be a photo?. If so it didn't appear. I have bronchiectasis and was given an acapella to help remove mucous from my lungs. Could this be what you are referring to ? There are different ones designed for the same purpose. Do you find it useful?
in reply to RoadRunner44
It works in the reverse principal to the acapella. I hope my reply below answers your question RoadRunner.
RoadRunner44 in reply to
Thanks Littlepom. When I attended the Pulmonary Rehabilitation Course this method wasn't included or even mentioned. Its the first time I've heard of it. Thanks for your explanation. Very helpful.
Hope you are feeling easier these days. I hate the dark evenings and the dismal wet weather, so depressing. I love being outdoors and feel so much better when I can enjoy a walk and appreciate mother nature.
Take care. Xx
in reply to RoadRunner44
Thank you .
2ndtenor in reply to
Never heard of this device in 60 years?
in reply to 2ndtenor
Have a look at their website. Mainly marketed to athletes.
2ndtenor in reply to
Thank you I will probably have to buy one as all I have ever been prescribed is antibiotics and or spays that’s ok it’s not too expensive and I might be able to not pay Vat
in reply to 2ndtenor
I think that you would be better to buy an aerosue medic to help you get the mucus out of your lungs. I have been using one for over ten years. You can get any of these items vat free with a lung condition.
2ndtenor in reply to
Thanks I bought one of these last year when I was unable to continue my hobby which is singing because I injured my knee and couldn’t stand for long periods at rehearsals. It does help and because now singing has stopped it is used a lot.
in reply to 2ndtenor
Aerosure Medic
This is a device which is designed to strengthen the muscles in the chest by providing resistance when breathing in. It was devised to improve the performance of sports people who have healthy lungs and are seeking to increase their chest capacity.
This is opposite to devices such as the aerosure medic which provide resistance against the outward breath and are designed to help those with bronchiectasis loosen and cough up the mucus in their airways and lungs. Bronchiectasis patients don't usually need their chest muscles strengthened (unless they have a specific muscular weakness) and certainly do not need additional obstruction to their inward breath as this can be difficult enough when their lungs and airways and are clogged with mucus. The most important thing is to use a technique or device which helps to loosen and get rid of the mucus.
My consultant does not like the power breathe. I asked her about it when it was being developed and she told me that it could be harmful by putting too much strain on the patient in the effort to breathe in against its resistance.
She does support the use of devices which cause resistance against the outgoing breath, causing a vibration which loosens the mucus. Physiotherapists usually recommend these which include various flutter devices and the aerosure which is power assisted.I have never known a physio recommend the device which makes breathing in more difficult. Breathing tecniques to improve muscle power in a more gentle way can be learned and there are plenty on the internet. A good respiratory physio should know them.
I think that you should check what I have said with your consultant. I do hope that what I have said helps and makes sense.
PernodGirl in reply to
Thank you very much for your comments. I have been taught breathing techniques, so the IMT would be as well as. I will certainly speak to my consultant for her opinion
I did use the Powerbreath Medic for a while, I did stop using it after a while because I became concerned about the hygiene aspect of using the device, but I would say its worth a go if you can get the powerbreath medic on prescription which is what I did.
youtube.com/watch?v=c3ebCpo...
the video explains some how to use it.
PentreathVolunteer
Like Littlepom I use an Aerosure and I have bronchiectasis and asthma. It works better for me than active breathing cycle or acepella.
I tried a Powerbreathe years ago as I thought it may help with my asthma / COPD and discarded it . Ended up in the bin.
I found it very hard to use , it’s supposed to strengthen chest muscles .....,i don’t think it cleared my chest, just made me overbreathe .
I tried a Flutter too.
I have an Aerosure device now, but again I don’t have bronchiectasis....there are some contraindications as to its use .
Maybe try ringing the BLF helpline for advice on
03000 030 555
I have just bought the Revitive Aerosure which was around £140 as I suffer from Bronchiectasis and have great trouble with not getting up the phlegm. Only been using a very short time not convinced yet as to whether its going to help or not but shall continue.
thanks for imput gingermusic 
ARE YOU TLKING RESPIRATORS
I asked my doctor about one but he said they did not know enough about it and it was expensive but I could buy one to try if I liked.
I have an Aerobika, which sounds as if it does the same job as an Aerosure, prescribed by respiratory nurses. Found it magic- coughed up a lot of green phlegm with almost the first breath I took.
That's interesting.
Did you have to buy it yourself? Do you have bronchiectasis?
Hi Milandra,
My Aerobyka was prescribed when I was having a very bad time in the summer. One of the Pulmonary Rehab nurses, who was looking after me, asked my doctor to prescribe it. You can buy them on the internet, but obviously better to ask your GP. Yes, I do have bronchiectasis- not too bad at the moment except when the evil bacteria get going.
