June Case Study
My name is Mary. I'm 62 and I have asthma all my life. I rang the Asthma Society Helpline because I was worried about using my nebuliser compressor on holidays.
I had been using a nebuliser compressor twice a day with Flixotide nebules and Ventolin nebules when necessary. Taking the nebuliser compressor takes about 30 minutes which I found quite disturbing to my daily routine. I got my nebuliser compressor from the HSE as I’m a medical card holder. It is about 18 months old.
I told the nurse that I was hoping to go to Italy in three months time for my 40th wedding anniversary and that I was worried that I wouldn’t be able to use my nebuliser compressor or that it would interfere with our travel itinerary.
Case Study
Firstly the nurse advised me that I should have my nebuliser compressor serviced every year and that if I hadn’t had this done I should contact the HSE to book a service for me.
Secondly, the nurse advised me that there are portable nebuliser compressors which run on batteries or can be plugged into a cigarette lighter in a car. As a medical card holder, she advised me to have my consultant write to the HSE requesting a portable nebuliser and once it’s sanctioned by the community care office it can be issued.
The nurse then asked me when I last saw my GP. I had to think back, but it had definitely been over a year. I had been using old supplies of Flixotide and Ventolin. The nurse said that it was very important that I visit my GP before travelling for a review of my asthma. She said that because my sleep was not disturbed and I had no cough, wheezing or shortness of breath when exercising, my asthma appeared well controlled and I may no longer need to use a nebuliser. The nurse told me that with so many improved inhaler devices and spacers available, there is less and less need for nebulisers.
She explained that nebulised treatment is useful in the acute stages of an attack or if higher doses of medication are required. The nebuliser compressor creates a mist of medicine which is breathed in through a mask or mouthpiece and on nebulised treatment is equal to approximately 20 puffs of an inhaler. She said that I may respond just as well to a combination of inhalers that would deliver the same medication as my nebuliser, but in a lower dosage. I told the nurse I would contact my doctor immediately for a review.
The nurse then gave me some great tips for travelling;
Get a letter from my GP outlining my condition and medication
Make sure I have medical insurance
If travelling in Europe get a European Health Insurance Card at my local Health Centre or Community Care Office
Bring my asthma medications as hand luggage and to check with my airline about permitted amounts of liquid etc.
Bring sufficient amounts of inhalers and medicines and reserve medicines in case of emergency
Check if an electrical adaptor is needed for my nebuliser compressor before travelling.
Thanks to the Asthma Society Helpline Nurse I had a review with my doctor. She drew up an asthma management plan and switched me from using the nebuliser compressor to using a combination of inhalers. I followed the nurse’s advice and travel tips and I’m delighted to be heading off to Rome in three weeks time. I would like to thank the nurse for all her advice and support.
To speak to our Asthma Nurse call 1850 44 54 64, Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday from 10am – 1pm.
*Name of Helpline caller has been changed to protect the Helpline caller's privacy. Photo featured is of an actor.
