Inhaler or nebululizer???

[PinksLove4Ever]

I have at least four asthma flare ups a year. Right now, I'm having a bad flare up. In 16 years, this is the worst flare I have ever had. I take symbicort 160/4.5, montelukast (singulair), and Omeprezole everyday. I also take proair as my rescue. I'm wondering if a nebulizer would help me out. Thanks!!!

[Putnam Asthma Captain]

It may bring some moisture to your lungs. I am having a bad time too. From the Hudson Valley...

[sherryelsmith58]

I take all your same meds for severe asthma, plus get lots of sinus infections which make my asthma worse. I have been on Xolair for 6 months with only a little improvement. Therefore, my doctor wants to try me on Nuccala. You may want to ask your doctor first if you qualify for Xolair or Nuccala. They will do a blood test to see which is best for you. The nebulizer always works better than my rescue inhaler, when my asthma is bad. It lasts longer as well. However, it is not as convenient unless you have a small portable one, whenever you go out somewhere. Hope this info helps some. Best of luck!

[PinksLove4Ever in reply to sherryelsmith58]

Doctors appt. on Friday. Will let you know. Thanks!

[StephIgnacio]

I found that the nebulizer works best for me.

[katherinet32]

Agree that I prefer the nebulizer.....seems calmer to my lungs than a quick hit of medicine, if that makes any sense

[rvstitcher]

Having my own nebulizer helped me keep hospital stays to a lesser number. It's a better delivery system of the same meds as an inhaler. Talk to your doctor.

[kdr112]

Much better delivery system especially during an acute attack! I carry the inhaler with me when I am away from home but there is no comparison to the effectiveness of the nebulizer. When I am having wheezing for several days in row I use the nebulizer on schedule, i.e., every 6 hours.

[AsthmanurseIV]

Hi! Usually the humidification helps soothe the throat but it "works better" because a nebulizer can give you way more medicine than the inhaler. I'm speaking about albuterol here but I believe if all the mist went in your lungs it would equal almost 20 puffs. And it will have the side affects to go with it. Very shaky, heart rate increase, sometimes nausea. Depending on how you take it (T-tube, mask (the best), just blowing nearby) you can get the equivalent of anywhere from 2-10+ puffs. Also it takes about 10 minutes so it's already working by the time the treatment is over. With an inhaler you have to wait 10-15 minutes to feel it working. You can use the inhaler (of course with a spacer, or you are losing up to 50% of med to the air and your throat/stomach) 2 puffs every 15 minutes until you feel relief. If you are getting to 6-8 puffs you should be on your way to help. You should be on a controller if you regularly get to this point.

Hope this helps!