Respiratory Treatments

💡TL;DR: **Most COPD flare-ups start with home treatment using your rescue inhaler or nebulizer plus a short course of oral steroids your doctor prescribes, while more severe flares need oxygen, possible antibiotics, and hospital care.** Guidelines from Michigan Medicine and the Merck Manual Professional put fast-acting bronchodilators first, then

💡TL;DR: For most adults who can use one, a mouthpiece delivers more medication to the lungs because less mist is lost on the face. A mask is the better pick for kids or anyone who can’t seal their lips—go with the option that gives a snug fit

💡TL;DR: Never use tap water in a nebulizer. It isn’t sterile, and aerosolizing it can seed germs into your lungs, including Legionella and nontuberculous mycobacteria. Use sterile 0.9% normal saline, distilled water (for cleaning) or, sterile water labeled for inhalation; single-use saline ampoules typically cost about $0.

💡TL;DR: Yes, you can bring a nebulizer on a plane. The TSA classifies nebulizers as medical devices allowed in carry-on and checked bags, but carry-on is strongly recommended for access and safety. Remove the device for X-ray screening; medically necessary liquids (like albuterol) are exempt from the 3-1-1 rule,

💡TL;DR: Most home nebulizers last about 3–5 years; compressor (jet) models often reach ~5 years, while mesh handhelds average 2–3 years. They do not have a fixed expiration date, so replace when performance drops or purchase replacement components. For coverage, Medicare treats nebulizers as DME with a

💡TL;DR: A nebulizer delivers a fine mist of sterile saline or prescribed meds directly to your lungs to calm cough, loosen mucus, and ease tightness. Most home treatments take 5–10 minutes and should be used only as prescribed (often spaced every 4–6 hours during flares). For dry

💡TL;DR: Most infant coughs are viral and improve with supportive care, but a nebulizer can help when there’s wheeze or heavy chest congestion. Use only sterile 0.9% saline or a doctor-prescribed medication; typical sessions take 5–10 minutes with a snug infant mask. Don’t use OTC

💡TL;DR: For fast replacements, pharmacies are quickest for universal masks and tubing ($5–$20), while DME medical suppliers have brand-specific parts and can handle insurance with a prescription. If local shelves are empty, online retailers and manufacturers ship next-day in many areas. Replace cups monthly to 6 months and

💡TL;DR: A nebulizer delivers a fine mist of saline or prescribed medicine to hydrate airways and loosen mucus in about 5–15 minutes. For basic congestion, start with sterile 0.9% saline; for stubborn phlegm, 3–7% hypertonic saline may thin mucus more but can trigger brief coughing. Inhalers