Nebulizer

[Azcowboy]

Not sure if you all do this but. When I get up some mornings I have fluid I can't cough up. I use to light a cigaretteto make myself cough. Now, i don't smoke and use my nebulizer. Over years I saw how the albuterol affected me. Shakes, sometimes off balance. One of my V.A. stays I talked to a male nurse I had about it. His recommendation was use saline ampules. Now thats what I use rather than albuterol. I STILL use it but not as often.

[R2B_Michele_RRT Partner]

Azcowboy,

Saline can be used to thin mucus but please make sure that you have discussed it with you physician there are different dosages. Saline ampules can also be an irritant and cause bronchospasm and coughing.

[Azcowboy in reply to R2B_Michele_RRT]

They are 0.9% saline and 5 ml. I usually use 2 1/2. Been using this for about 7 years. Actually the caughing is what I expect. To get the thick mucus up without the use of meds. What is the use of meds to do the job. You're just wasting them if your going to just cough them up. Like I say check with your own M.D

[Azcowboy in reply to Azcowboy]

By the way, the saline IS by prescription only

[R2B_John Moderator]

Albuterol can easily be overused. The more one uses, ofttimes the more one needs....while also being less effective.

Many doctors suggest that those requiring additional albuterol (or other short acting inhalers) could point towards a need to re-examine the currently prescribed long acting inhalers.

Xopenex is similar in action to albuterol and many find it a good alternative as it doesn't produce the "shakiness" nearly as much. Possibly a good conversation to have with your health provider.