Question for asthma sufferers

Old Jul 18th, 2008, 05:42 AM
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Question for asthma sufferers

Can one easily rent or buy a nebulizer in Paris? I have recently had asthmas symptoms which are not fully under control.
Rather than go through the hassle of taking my own neb to France, I'm wondering if I can rent one once we get there.
Appreciate any info.
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Old Jul 18th, 2008, 06:04 AM
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As a fellow asthma sufferer - but with lesser symptoms, I sympathize.

What you want is a nebuliseur. I googled' nebuliseur louer (rent) Paris' and found several references indicating that they were available for rent or purchase in pharmacies. I know that other medical material, like wheelchairs, is available in pharmacies so I don't think you should have any difficulty.

The only problem is that they might not be in stock in every pharmacy. I know here in the country they would have to order one. However, deliveries come at least once a day, and of course there are larger pharmacies in Paris, and they might have them available all the time.
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Old Jul 18th, 2008, 06:26 PM
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Try to avoid taking a nebulizer from the U.S. because you will also need a power covertor and a plug adaptor. Your vials of medication (I have asthma as well) should work in any nebulizer rented in Paris.

Also, write down the generic names of any drugs you are taking for asthma or other conditions. The French pharmacies are very helpful.

I have been all right with an emergency inhaler and steady-state asthma drugs. If I ever have a full-blown serious, uncontrollable attack, I plan to head straight to the nearest emergency room.

But, if your physician says you need a nebulizer at hand, then renting one would be preferable.
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Old Jul 19th, 2008, 08:31 AM
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My son, husband and and I all have asthma. We have travelled around the world and never travel without our own nebulizer. We have two of the smaller travel ones that are battery operated so you don't have to worry about converters or adapaters. They are made by Omron.
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Old Jul 19th, 2008, 09:40 AM
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..speak to your MD first to make sure you are on appropriate "preventive" medication. There is no need to use a nebulizer. Medical literature has shown that spacers (ie aerochambers) with metered dose inhalers are just as effective as nebulizers if used properly and at equivalent doses. An asthma educator can review appropriate use of inhalers and you and your MD can work out an action plan before travel.
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Old Jul 19th, 2008, 10:18 AM
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There is some question about my symptoms have an allergy basis so having the neb handy (along with the epi pen!) will be a must.
Will also ask my neb provider about the portable ones-just trying to keep packing to a minimum!
Thanks so much to all for your great info.
TD
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Old Jul 19th, 2008, 10:25 AM
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TD..my point is that a spacer is just as effective as a nebulizer! ie you should have one or the other but no need to have a nebulizer which requires electricity and much more space!
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Old Jul 19th, 2008, 10:35 AM
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Thanks travelbunny-I read what you said, but didn't "get" it! At the moment, the neb is 4x a day (as needed) and the spacer gizmo 2x (as needed). I will def check with doc about being able to just use spacer more often.
Oh, how about flying-did that affect anyone's breathing?
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Old Jul 19th, 2008, 11:01 AM
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None of us have ever had flying in the airplane trigger our asthma, but things effect everyone differently. Another reason the battery operated nebulizer is so great, you can easily use it in your seat.

Don't know about any other asthmatics but having both a nebulizer and spacer for an inhaler, one is definitely not as effective as the other. When you are actually having an asthma attack, I have ALWAYS found the nebulizer to be the thing that works best to get it under control (or that shot of epinefrin).
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Old Jul 19th, 2008, 11:24 AM
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I didn't realize there were battery-operated nebulizers--I guess I should have known but fortunately don't have to use a neb often. I still plan to look into getting one. Thanks, jgg.
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Old Jul 19th, 2008, 03:18 PM
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Thanks jgg-just googled omcron and they want $188 for the model that looks right. Will check with neb company paid by my insurance carrier and see what they say. Might be instructive!
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Old Jul 19th, 2008, 03:30 PM
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..again you are wasting your money and adding to your luggage..2008 guidelines for the diagnosis and management of asthma state that nebulizers and metered dose inhalers for adults are equivalent..The summary of the expert panel can be found in the Journal of Allergy and Clinical Immunology though again I would suggest that you discuss this with your physician.
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Old Jul 19th, 2008, 04:11 PM
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I can't wait to hear what doc says about all this.
Guess we'll find out if he has stock in the neb company.
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Old Jul 19th, 2008, 05:20 PM
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I have the older model of a Pari nebulizer:
http://www.allergybegone.com/paritrek.html
It comes with a power converter so you can use it on any currency AC or DC, and the battery pack allows you to use it where there is no electricity.
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Old Jul 21st, 2008, 10:01 AM
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Thanks, lovisa! I'll check it out as well.
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Old Jul 21st, 2008, 12:19 PM
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travelbunny, I'm in total agreement with you on this one. The medicine nebulized is the same one in the inhaler. There is no difference in the efficacy of the medication whether it's given via nebulizer or inhaler. Also, please don't use a nebulizer on an airplane. The mist can't be contained and your fellow passenger will be breathing the medication along with you.
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Old Jul 21st, 2008, 02:00 PM
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Well then, everyone will breathe easier!

Kansan, all kidding aside, that is a great point. Would oxygen be available if needed? I cringe about that woman who died when crew wouldn't give her O2.
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Old Jul 21st, 2008, 03:57 PM
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The point that can't be stressed enough, which travelbunny mentioned, is that spacers need to be used properly. True, there is no significant difference in results between spacers and nebulizers, PROVIDED THE PATIENT CAN MASTER THE SPACER TECHNIQUE. Not everyone can.

If I were unfortunate enough to have a full-blown asthma attack, which can be fatal, on an aircraft, and if I relied on a nebulizer, I would try to get to place away from other passengers, but should a severe asthmatic be that concerned with anyone else inhaling spent albuterol? I honestly don't know.
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Old Jul 21st, 2008, 05:14 PM
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Cathinjoetown,

I don't know what's so hard about using an inhaler properly. Toddlers to the elderly use them just fine.

TDudette, if you really feel your asthma symptoms aren't fully controlled, call your doctor. Tell him your concerns and that you will soon be taking a trip abroad. Ask about a referral with an asthma educator to learn how keep ahead of symptoms. Asthma used to be such a restrictive ailment, but with the right treatment plan you can do most anything you want!
Here's hoping you have a great time!!
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Old Jul 21st, 2008, 08:13 PM
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This might be worth mentioning. On an Air France flight only a few minutes out of Toronto, a woman in the centre aisle (I was seated on the right side of the plane) pulled out her perfume atomizer and started to spray herself. I was very vocal about this and she stopped and offered to wash it off when the plane had levelled out. I had to use Ventolin and was pretty scared. Just a heads-up to keep an eye out for this. Some people do things mindlessly.
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