A nebuliser is a piece of medical equipment that is used to quickly treat serious asthma episodes in hospitals, doctor’s surgeries and in certain cases, in the home. It is a plastic container filled with a medicine solution that is plugged into the mains. An electric compressor is used to blow air or oxygen through this solution to make a fine mist of medicine. This mist is breathed into the lungs through a mouthpiece or mask.

Who needs to use a nebuliser?
Nebulisers are most commonly used to treat acute attacks of asthma at a GP’s surgery or in an Accident and Emergency department. Research has shown that in most cases, multiple doses of reliever medication through a spacer are just as effective in acute attacks of asthma, but nebulisers can work quicker.

Most people with asthma will not need to use a nebuliser at home. Their inhaled medication is best delivered by an inhaler or by an inhaler with a spacer. Inhalers and spacers are the most portable and cost effective for home use. However, sometimes people who have very severe asthma or other lung diseases find that normal reliever inhalers do not work for them. To help open up the airways or to deal with an attack that comes on very quickly, a doctor may prescribe nebulised reliever medication to use at home.

Using a nebuliser
If you are prescribed home nebuliser treatment, you will be given a demonstration of how the nebuliser works. It is also a good idea that you have written instructions to explain:
How to set up the nebuliser
How to keep it clean
How to get it serviced
How to get it repaired
How much medicine to use
How to put the medicine in the nebuliser
When to take it and how long you should take it for
Understanding the warning signals that show your asthma is getting worse, even with treatment
What to do in an emergency

You should attend an asthma clinic regularly to review your treatment.

Buying a nebuliser
Talk to your GP or hospital consultant before buying a nebuliser as there are various options available. The nebuliser has to be suitable for the medicine that you are prescribed. Nebulisers need to be serviced regularly so this needs to be discussed with the supplier before buying.

There are a couple of other issues to check:
Does the price quoted include everything that is needed? Some companies may charge extra for postage and packing, or for parts such as mouthpieces or masks.
Nebulisers are not exempt from VAT. However, it is a good idea to check if you might qualify for VAT exemption. You may need to fill out a form from the manufacturer or obtain a letter from your doctor. Pharmacies and GP surgeries that order nebulisers are not usually exempt from VAT.
Make sure you are clear about how often the compressor needs servicing and how often the filters, tubing and other parts need changing.
Other things to consider include: How heavy is the nebuliser, what are the running costs, what size it is and what period does the warranty cover.

What types of nebulisers are available?
There are numerous makes of nebulisers currently available from a variety of manufacturers. These may plug into mains sockets or car cigarette lighters. Some have rechargeable batteries. When travelling abroad, you will need to bring an adaptor for your nebuliser.

For more information, contact the Asthma Society of Ireland on freephone, 1850 44 54 64.

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