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What is your experience with nebulizers?

Posted by lesleys56 @lesleys56, Apr 20 11:10am

Can anyone explain how you are using your nebulizer? I have been prescribed levalbuterol administered through my nebulizer. I no longer have my Pulmonary Dr. and plan to discuss this with my new Dr. on Thursday. How often do you use yours? I understand it's used to loosen phlegm but when I do use it? I cough so hard and the phlegm is very difficult to cough up and I feel like I'm drowning. I quit using it until I am clear as to when to use it. My last Dr. said "as needed". When do I "need" to use it? I am so confused.

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kensimonsen | @kensimonsen | Apr 25 2:16pm

It did nothing for me don't use ay more

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lesleys56 | @lesleys56 | Apr 26 2:54pm
In reply to @tcarson52 "I don’t have mucus never had but I feel for you, not breathing is bad enough...." + (show)
Profile picture for tcarson52 @tcarson52

I don’t have mucus never had but I feel for you, not breathing is bad enough. I watched a u tube video where they went in the lungs and cleaned out the mucus with a long tube and saline and then sucked it out. I don’t know why they can’t do that for people with lots of it. Maybe it just comes right back but it seems like that would feel so good to get it out.

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I had that done and the phlegm the Dr got out was tested. It didn't stop the mucus production.

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hicopd | @hicopd | Apr 26 9:49pm

Some folks find mucinex helps reduce mucus. Some also find the 3% or 7% saline nebulized and used with an Aerobika or other PEP device can help get the mucus out so they don’t get infections. There are several different PEP devices but most of my providers like the Aerobika because you can adjust the setting from 1=5 and do it at the same time you are nebulizing to speed up the treatments up.

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tcarson52 | @tcarson52 | Apr 30 11:45am
In reply to @kndaustin71 "I was surprised when I used the 3.5% Hyper Sal nebulized treatment......it was great. The Aerobika..." + (show)
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I was surprised when I used the 3.5% Hyper Sal nebulized treatment......it was great. The Aerobika as well on a 5 setting. you would be surprised how many of COPD patients are not aware of these two treatment options....to include the Spacers to be used with the Inhalers.

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What is hyper Sal?

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kdalda75 | @kndaustin71 | May 1 9:35am

hyper -Sal 3.5% (sodium chloride) solution is used with a nebulizer and helps cough up mucous. It is Physician prescription required and usually used no more than twice a day. Speak with you Pulmo....if you have trouble expelling sputum it is a great value.

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dody525 | @dody525 | May 4 8:26am
In reply to @lesleys56 "I had that done and the phlegm the Dr got out was tested. It didn't stop..." + (show)
Profile picture for lesleys56 @lesleys56

I had that done and the phlegm the Dr got out was tested. It didn't stop the mucus production.

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Hi, what stage of COPD are you? I go to a new pulmonologist in a month, and I'm going to ask about this. I didnt know that could be done. It is like a regular operation in an OR or an outpatient procedure? Did you have much pain afterwards? You'd think in this day and age, they would be able to "flush" your lungs to get rid of some of the stuff sticking to or in your lungs to make you feel better. Does insurance cover the mucus removing procedure? Thank you, I look forward to your answers. Dianne

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Mary | @mjb24 | May 17 7:34am

I nebulize 7% sodium chloride (saline) 2X a day with my aerobika attached to the nebulizer and it really helps to get the mucus up and out. Dr has me do 2 puffs of Albuterol about 15 minutes before nebulizing to prevent bronchospasms. If 7% saline is too harsh, you can go down to 3% to see if it's better tolerated.

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copdinny | @copdinny | Aug 11 4:13pm
In reply to @crystalena "I had a nebulizer for a bit . I gave it back to the oxygen co...." + (show)
Profile picture for crystalena @crystalena

I had a nebulizer for a bit . I gave it back to the oxygen co. My problem was that the only words spoken to me were to use it every 4 hours . I took note of the amount of albuterol that I would be using , and decided for myself that I would not use it . I also took note of the preparation time , and the cleaning that would be needed . Those tasks alone would take 6 hours a day. For phlegm, I take Musinex type products . It works for now . I am getting over a sinus cold and bronchitis . It lasted 14 days . I think I am almost back to regular copd levels now . My oxygen use is the same as before it . Blessed Be, Crystalina

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Most important thing I can tell you is to make sure your tongue isn't blocking the med getting through to you. Tongue should be under the mouthpiece.

This from someone who knocked out the bottom bridge in my mouth from using the nebulizer wrong, and also wasted my first three weeks on Ohtuvayre because of this mistake.

Personally, I hate nebulizers, but they do work better than rescue inhalers when you reach a certain point with COPD.

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Retep51 | @peter51f | Aug 12 11:32pm

I use my nebulizer 2 or 3 times a day. I have no problems using the nebulizer
I do albuterol 8AM, noon (when I feel I need it) and 10PM
I do Sodium Chloride 8AM and 10PM.
I also have 2 inhalers.
this works the best for me and keeping the mucus under control.

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copdinny | @copdinny | Aug 12 11:37pm
In reply to @peter51f "I use my nebulizer 2 or 3 times a day. I have no problems using the..." + (show)
Profile picture for Retep51 @peter51f

I use my nebulizer 2 or 3 times a day. I have no problems using the nebulizer
I do albuterol 8AM, noon (when I feel I need it) and 10PM
I do Sodium Chloride 8AM and 10PM.
I also have 2 inhalers.
this works the best for me and keeping the mucus under control.

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Which inhalers?

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