NEBULISER

[Mons]

Is it worth considering a nebuliser? Meds not really working well and it’s been suggested (by a friend) that I use a nebuliser. Do they help and how do they work please? Any posts are going to be very much appreciated.

[Bevvy]

For this you need to discuss it with your gp or consultant. Many GPs will not prescribe medications for nebuliser, especially for asthmatics. The rationale is that if a person needs a nebuliser then they are so poorly that they should be seen by medics including going to A&E. Nebulisers work by providing high levels of medication breathed through a mask, usually same medication as your rescue/blue inhaler.

If your medication is not working satisfactorily for you then I suggest you arrange a review with asthma nurse at doctors. That way you can discuss nebuliser with nurse. From the information you have provided I am doubtful this would be agreed to.

[Lysistrata Administrator Community Ambassador]

I have to agree with Bevvy on this one. Most asthmatics should not be using a nebuliser at home. You can buy the machine but you'd need a healthcare professional to prescribe the medication - and they're unlikely to, especially if your preventer medication isn't working too well currently.

A nebuliser in this situation would just be papering over the cracks. It has its place, but it's not a replacement for medication that can actually address the underlying disease process in asthma.

It can be useful for some people, after discussion with a specialist team and with a clear plan on how and when to use it and when to get help. The danger is that you could use it too long at home, it stops working and then you need help fast and you're not in hospital to get it. This page from the Asthma and Lung UK website may be helpful: asthmaandlung.org.uk/sympto...

I'm aware they use home nebulisers more in the US, and that people with COPD may use them more, but those are different circumstances and systems. It's still a discussion that as an asthmatic you would need to have with a specialist team who consider your particular circumstances.

If your medication isn't working then that's something you need to be addressing with your GP, or your hospital asthma team if you have one - before you go anywhere near considering a nebuliser for home use. That would include looking at why your medication isn't helping and assessing your inhaler techniques, among other things. If you're not already under a hospital team then a referral may be needed.

You might want to give the ALUK asthma nurses a call to discuss your current medication and why it isn't helping, as well as booking a GP appointment/contacting your hospital asthma team if you have one: 0300 2225800 or WhatsApp [phone] Monday-Friday 0915-5pm

[Birthday60]

I agree with the other posts but it really depends on your own personal circumstances- I have unpredictable asthma and a very busy working life with a lot of business trips and holidays to remote areas which can be a bit challenging. My GP has supported my having a small portable nebuliser for absolute emergencies on the condition I always tell them if I’ve used it. I only use it a couple of times a year and usually when Im just looking for a boost rather than an acute rescue. If was useful to know it was there if needed when I was flying around Europe on business

[Ember123]

I have had a nebuliser since birth. Durri g my teenage years i never used it and only had my inhalers. I started to get worse late teens year 20's. Durring the winter months I seem to get a lot of chest infections. I brought myself a handheld nebuliser which was fine with my GP. Then I moved away and now I have to fight to have the medication to use it. It helps when I have a chest infection as I don't have enough breath to take my inhalers. I tell the GPs that I only use my nebuliser when I have a chest infection a few times a year. Good luck though.

[Popplemoggy]

Hi Mons,I use a nebuliser. As well as being an asthmatic I also have Bronchiectasis. My nebuliser was given as a treatment for helping to clear my airways , as I struggle to do this with Bronchiectasis. It was not given for my asthma. I use saline and salbutamol which opens up my airways and helps me to get rid of the mucous build up. I also use an Acapella device to assist in clearing my airways. Discuss with your Gp/Resp Nurse. It really depends what your diagnosis is but they are the best people to advise you.

Best wishes

[Mons in reply to Popplemoggy]

Thank you all for the comments. I will speak with the asthma nurse and see what she thinks on my next visit. At least I now know what they are used for as it’s good to have people’s reaction rather than just googling!

[Chip_y2kuk]

A lot of GP's won't prescribe the medications for a nebuliser as others have said so this would need to discuss this with your doctor

[Mons]

Thank you I will speak with the Respiratory Nurse when I next see her as I trust her opinion completely.