Anyone own one of those 'breathing machines'? - Asthma Message Board

floating*faerie · 03-13-2001, 11:21 AM

Hi there!

I have question...

I was wondering if any of you have an asthma 'breathing machine'---sorry, I can't think of the exact name of it off hand.

I have a bunch of the medicine/solution that goes with it, BUT it is expired. I really don't want to make a dr. appointment just to get a refill (I have no med. insurance)....I was wondering if it was safe and/or effective if I use what I already have?

Just a side note...I normally only have asthma whenever I am sick with a cold/flu/bronchitis,etc. It's also *sometimes* induced by lots of exercise or certain smells. Lately, I've had that "tight chest" feeling (not too terribly though). I'm not sure why, because I don't seem to have cold!

THANKS FOR YOUR HELP!

Devnic · 03-16-2001, 11:31 PM

Hi, well first of all,I have a "nebulizer" and have had that same problem... No insurance, expired solutions..But NEVER use expired medication or solution... some medications' change form after expiration dates and can either 1. not be effective
2. become TOXIC!
Even Tylenol..anything expired you shouldn't use it.
Secondly, I think you should see the Dr. if you are experiencing chest tightness..MOST Dr.'s get LOTS of samples from drug companies that are trying to "sell" their products. If you explain to your Dr. that you have a difficult time getting prescriptions right now because of coverage, more than likely he/she will be willing to supply you with samples. Inhalers are VERY effective, and with the right regimen you probably wouldn't need your machine at all. Ask about Vanceril, Pulmicort, Albuterol (Fast Acting/opens you up within 1-15 minutes!!) and Servent.
It's asthma season until may/june here in the west, so an inhaler regimen would be smart for your Dr. to consider for you.

Best wishes...let me know :-)

rosilita1 · 03-20-2001, 07:15 AM

i agree with the previous post. don't use anything expired, especially something your going to inhale into your lungs. the medicines that go into the nebulizer are relatively cheap. i use liquid atrovent in mine, like you only when i have a cold. so they last me for a long time. i find the nebulizer does a better job then the inhaler of getting into the lungs when i am sick

blumaw60 · 03-02-2002, 11:04 PM

depending what your doctor will say trt singulair its on the preventive side for the future.anda lot of doctors have samples of it. i got for my son samples
And the air source machine helps a lot for smoke dust and odors. but it's an expensive machine

nicola76 · 03-05-2002, 08:24 AM

Just out of curiosity....can you use a nebulizer in place of an inhaler as part of daily asthma management? I don't have a nebulizer but have been wondering about them.

Thx everybody!

Cheers,

Nicola