1. < COPD: Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease

Nebulizers vs inhalers

Posted by guinivere @guinivere, Dec 14, 2024

I have had COPD longer than I care to remember & have used a nebulizer as well as inhalers. Can't remember how long I used the nebulizer, but I did switch back to the inhaler of my own accord.

Would like to hear opinions from the group on this.

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impact4005 | @impact4005 | Dec 14, 2024

In my opinion the inhalers are ok to be used as a maintenance inhaler like Breztri but the emergency inhaler should be used as needed. The nebulizer is good for exacerbation and flare ups because I feel that you get more medicine down in the lungs and it will give you relief faster than the inhaler.

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1 reply
kdalda75 | @kndaustin71 | Dec 15, 2024
In reply to @impact4005 "In my opinion the inhalers are ok to be used as a maintenance inhaler like Breztri..." + (show)
@impact4005

In my opinion the inhalers are ok to be used as a maintenance inhaler like Breztri but the emergency inhaler should be used as needed. The nebulizer is good for exacerbation and flare ups because I feel that you get more medicine down in the lungs and it will give you relief faster than the inhaler.

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I agree, the nebulizers will probably get to the lungs more effectively than the inhalers, but what a pain to use them. I try to schedule preventative treatments prior to getting the symptoms of shortness of breath and/or unrelenting coughing spells. Seems to help some.

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fibropositive14 | @fibropositive14 | Dec 16, 2024

My Nan had cold and I was hee carer, she had to keep using the nebuliser but she became reliant on it and the inhalers didn’t do anything much but she was on the nebuliser full time for a few years before she passed…I’d suggest keep using the inhalers but only the nebuliser when it’s exacerbated

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1 reply
impact4005 | @impact4005 | Dec 21, 2024
In reply to @fibropositive14 "My Nan had cold and I was hee carer, she had to keep using the nebuliser..." + (show)
@fibropositive14

My Nan had cold and I was hee carer, she had to keep using the nebuliser but she became reliant on it and the inhalers didn’t do anything much but she was on the nebuliser full time for a few years before she passed…I’d suggest keep using the inhalers but only the nebuliser when it’s exacerbated

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Yes I agree with that statement.

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Retep51 | @peter51f | Dec 23, 2024

I do use the nebuliser in the AM and PM but during the day I have 2 inhalers that I use to control my COPD.

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hicopd | @hicopd | Dec 28, 2024

Both nebulizers and inhalers are useful tools for those of us with chronic lung issues. Some find it more useful to use one than the other. Some medications only are available via nebulizer, like ensifentrine and saline in varying strength—0.9%, 3% and 7%.

It is true that when people have more severe obstruction due to progression of their disease of an exacerbation, using a nebulizer allows more medicine to get deeper into the lungs.

The big downside to nebulizers in my opinion is properly sanitizing them regularly. They’re also bigger, bulkier and take more time than inhalers. That said, both inhalers and nebulizers are essential tools. Using the nebulizer at the same time as a positive expiratory pressure device helps clear mucus, which is crucial for many as well.

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1 reply
lucielle | @lucielle | Jan 3 8:13am
In reply to @peter51f "I do use the nebuliser in the AM and PM but during the day I have..." + (show)
@peter51f

I do use the nebuliser in the AM and PM but during the day I have 2 inhalers that I use to control my COPD.

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Advair in Am -Pm Spiriva mid day 3:00pm
Nebulizing as needed ( 4 to 6 hours )
I’m worried

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lblakeys60 | @lblakeys60 | Jan 5 10:44am
In reply to @hicopd "Both nebulizers and inhalers are useful tools for those of us with chronic lung issues. Some..." + (show)
@hicopd

Both nebulizers and inhalers are useful tools for those of us with chronic lung issues. Some find it more useful to use one than the other. Some medications only are available via nebulizer, like ensifentrine and saline in varying strength—0.9%, 3% and 7%.

It is true that when people have more severe obstruction due to progression of their disease of an exacerbation, using a nebulizer allows more medicine to get deeper into the lungs.

The big downside to nebulizers in my opinion is properly sanitizing them regularly. They’re also bigger, bulkier and take more time than inhalers. That said, both inhalers and nebulizers are essential tools. Using the nebulizer at the same time as a positive expiratory pressure device helps clear mucus, which is crucial for many as well.

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I use inhalers and also this anytime I want to clear up phlegm
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hicopd | @hicopd | Jan 5 12:04pm

Yes, Aerobika is a proven tool for Positive expiratory pressure, PEP to help expel mucus. It can be used at the same time as the nebulizer. I’ve used it with 3% or 7% saline.

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