Q: I would like to have a nebuliser at home, but my doctors won’t let me have one. Why?
A: Nebulisers for home use are not available on the NHS in many parts of the UK. They are used mostly in hospital or GP surgeries to treat acute asthma attacks and also for COPD flare-ups. They provide high doses of the medicines, such as Salbutamol ( Ventolin), Ipratropium (Atrovent), terbutaline (Bricanyl) or Budesonide (Pulmicort). During an acute asthma attack it is hard to breathe in from an inhaler, so the nebuliser is one way of getting high doses of much needed reliever drugs into the lungs. However, in most cases, taking six to 20 puffs from the inhaler attached to a spacer over a few minutes will produce the same effect.
Nebulisers can be life-saving, but only rarely are they needed for everyday asthma or COPD care. Occasionally, people who have lots of severe asthma attacks may benefit from nebulisers for acute use. This is particularly true in small children with asthma. However, they should only be obtained on the recommendation of your doctor. The reason for this is that it is potentially dangerous to rely on large doses of relievers given via a nebuliser instead of increasing the dose of steroids (inhaled or tablets) when asthma gets worse. In addition, the dose of reliever, being much greater than the normal dose from an inhaler, is much more likely to produce side effects, such as trembling and palpitations.
Steroids can also be given by a nebuliser and this may be a good way of delivering large doses of inhaled steroids to people whose asthma is difficult to control.
Occasionally antibiotics are given via a nebuliser for chest infections in people with bronchiectasis, particularly cystic fibrosis.
[TOP]
Q: What does “lung age” mean?
A: Breathing test results are usually reported as being a percentage of normal for your age, height and sex. However, another way of looking at the results is to calculate at what age your results would be considered normal – lung age. This measure shows people how much damage has been done to their lungs. Research has shown that the success rate of smoking cessation is higher among smokers who have been given their lung age, as it is a motivation to quit.
However, lung age is not an accurate measurement of lung function. It is better to use the Forced Expiratory Volume in one second (FEV1). This measures how much air is expelled from the lung in the first second of the biggest possible breath. The FEV1 measurement is recorded during a spirometry test.
[TOP]
Q: Do dairy products increase mucous production?
A: There is no scientific evidence to support the belief that dairy products increase mucous production. However, cow’s milk temporarily thickens saliva in the mouth. Milk is a valuable source of calcium and, as many people with breathing conditions take steroid tablets, then omitting milk and dairy products from the diet could lead to an increased risk of osteoporosis.
[TOP]
Q: Does central heating make breathing more difficult?
A: It is possible for central heating to remove the moisture in the atmosphere and this will in turn make breathing more difficult for people with chest complaints. However, placing a small bowl of water close to the radiator will increase the moisture content in the atmosphere and prevent this problem.
[TOP]
Q: How often should I clean my spacer device?
A: You should wash a spacer device about once a month using mild detergent. It should be rinsed and allowed to dry in the air. You do not need to clean it more frequently and you should not dry it with a cloth as this can cause the build up of a static charge in the chamber. The charge attracts particles of the medicine and reduces the amount of drug delivered. A spacer device should be replaced every six to 12 months.
[TOP]
Q: My baby seems to have had a cold for the last two months. Should I take him to the doctor?
A: Most babies will have at least one cold and cough in the first year. These are commonly accompanied by a fever and sore throat, and usually last one to three weeks. As they are viral in origin there is no good evidence that in uncomplicated cases antibiotics will help. Hayfever can occur this early in life, particularly if the nasal discharge is clear and watery. A green or yellow discharge suggests infection. A cold lasting two months is unusual and your baby ought to be seen by a doctor, particularly if he/she is not thriving well (not feeding and / or losing weight. A cough which continues could be due to asthma.
[TOP]
Q: Are there regulations regarding taking medication abroad?
A: Firstly you should always carry your medication in your hand luggage. You should also ensure that you have a copy of your prescription or a letter from your GP confirming your need for the medication. Take enough medication with you for your holiday.
If your prescription contains controlled drugs, you are allowed to travel with them abroad for a period of up to 28 days without a licence. However, you will need a letter from your GP containing your name, address, date of birth, outward and return dates of your travel, country you are visiting and a list of the drugs you are carrying. For further information, call the Home Office helpline on 020 7035 0476 or visit their website www.drugs.gov.uk.
Q: After my son was born he spent almost 6 months in the local Neonatal Unit. He is now 2 but since leaving hospital he has had chest infection after chest infection. I am so frightened for the future. All I seem to do is attend hospital appointments and never seem to have time for me or my family, which just makes me feel worse and guilty. I just don’t know what to do.
A: What you are feeling is completely normal. Looking after children is a tough job, and even tougher if your child has a recurring illness. You also perhaps don’t want to worry your family even more by talking to them about your feelings – feeling you have nobody you can talk to can be very lonely. Our Parent Support team are here to support you and to help you work through these issues. By ringing our Helpline on 08458 50 50 20, we can arrange for one of the team to call you at a convenient time. They are there to listen to your worries and to help you to understand that what you are feeling is perfectly normal – and more importantly that it is not your fault.
[TOP]
Q: I am using oxygen but I still like to use moisturiser and make up. Which products are safe for me to use?
A: You can still use make up and moisturisers provided they are oil-free and water-based. Ask for these products at any make-up counter and stores such as the Body Shop.
[TOP]
Q: I have COPD and I have heard of people taking part in clinical trials. How can I find out if there are any trials that might help me?
A: Speak to your GP or consultant to ask if they know of any trials that are recruiting patients and for which you would be suitable. You can also try the BLF Helpline on 08458 50 50 20 – we are sometimes sent information about forthcoming trials.
[TOP]
Q: I'm going abroad on holiday and I need to use oxygen during the flight - how do I arrange for oxygen to be provided on the plane?
A: Firstly you need to check with the airline you intend to fly with to make sure they allow passengers to use oxygen on board. Some airlines will provide the oxygen at a cost while others will allow you to provide your own. You will then need to contact an Oxygen Supply Company to provide the oxygen for you. There will be a charge. The BLF Helpline, 08458 50 50 20, has information about the oxygen policies of many of the major airlines.
[TOP]
Q: My husband is 74 and has a lung condition. As his condition is becoming worse I have to help him get washed and dressed. Is there any help we can get?
A: Your husband may be entitled to claim a benefit called Attendance Allowance. This is paid to people who need help with their personal care such as washing and dressing. You may then qualify for Carers Allowance, Pension Credit and help with council tax and/or rent. Ring the BLF Helpline, 08458 50 50 20, for further advice.
[TOP]
Q: Our electricity bill has gone up since my husband started using an oxygen concentrator - what can we do?
A: During each service visit the engineer will record the number of hours the concentrator has been used by taking a meter reading from the concentrator. Your oxygen supplier will then calculate the amount of electricity used and you will be sent a cheque to cover the cost.
[TOP]
Q: My husband was a joiner and has just been diagnosed with pleural plaques. I have heard there is compensation available.
A: In 2007 it was decided at a Law Lords Appeal that people living in England and Wales diagnosed with this condition would not be able to claim compensation. For further information about claiming compensation for a work related lung condition, contact the BLF Helpline on 08458 50 50 20.
[TOP]
Q: I have read an article a newspaper about a drug that can be used to help damaged lungs re grow. Is this available from my doctor?
A: A research trial was conducted by Birmingham University Hospital. The trial has now finished and the results are now being collated. This was only a small trial and if the results are favourable the next stage will be to carry out another larger trial. The results of the Trial will not be available until after October 2008. For further information contact the BLF Helpline on 08458 50 50 20.
[TOP]
