You may find you have a dry mouth from time to time. Using oxygen, nebulisers and inhalers can sometimes cause this. It can make it difficult to chew and swallow foods. Some medicines can also give you a dry mouth. Check with your GP if this is a problem for you. If you are struggling […]
Often, the following items need to be approved in advance of flying: Portable medical electronic devices i.e. Automated External Defibrillators. Nebuliser. Continuous Positive Airway Pressure machines (CPAP). Pacemakers – you may have to declare if you have a pacemaker when going through airport security. Remember: You may not be guaranteed a power supply so ensure […]
Travelling by air should be relatively straightforward if you have been fitted with a pacemaker or an ICD (Implantable Cardioverter Defibrillator). Pacemaker and ICD heart devices are designed so that they should not be affected by security screening equipment at airports. However, there is a small chance that the metal parts of your device might […]
Do prepare: Times to avoid sexual activity: Clear any chest secretions using your chest clearance technique. Use your bronchodilator inhaler or nebuliser prior to sexual activity. You use the same amount of oxygen during sex as you would during physical activity. Use breathing control as you would with any other activity and have rests as […]
Drink and tissues. Be prepared with a drink, and something to cough into such as a tissue or pot, before you start. Inhalation therapy. If you take bronchodilator inhalers or nebulisers such as Salbutamol, use these prior to performing your Airway Clearance Technique. This will open up your airways and make it easier to move […]
To get the most out of your Airway Clearance Technique you must drink fluids (not alcohol) and stay well hydrated. When you are dehydrated your natural lung clearance methods don’t work as well. Hydration – How much you should drink per day? This will vary depending on your size, how active you are, how warm […]
You, your asthma team and your midwifery team should work together to help you during your pregnancy. You may need additional check ups such as lung function tests, spirometry or peak flow tests. You may also be offered additional checks for your baby such as ultrasound scans and checks for your baby’s movements and position. […]
Nebulised medicines are often used for emergency treatment of asthma. They deliver doses of drugs deep in to the lungs quickly. A range of medicines can be given in this way. The aim of using a nebuliser is to make sure that a drug is delivered in the correct dose to the lung in order to […]
Many people experiencing an exacerbation of their COPD will be able to have their treatment at home. However, if your GP is worried about you they may arrange for you to go into hospital. You need to be in hospital if your oxygen levels are low, or you are really breathless and not managing at […]
