Most people who are advised to use a nebuliser will end up having to buy one. Some hospitals and GP surgeries are able to loan a unit to you on a short-term basis but nebulisers cannot be prescribed on the NHS. The medication that you need to use in a nebulizer must be prescribed, however, so please check that your doctor will prescribe the medication before you purchase the nebuliser. Without the medication, the nebuliser will be of no use.
Typical medications include salbutamol (Ventolin), ipratropium (Atrovent, Combivent), Colomycin, saline / sodium chloride solutions. They are usually presented in small liquid vials and can sometimes need to be diluted before use.
Knowing which medication you need to use in your nebuliser can help you decide which type of nebuliser to purchase as some nebulisers are not capable of dealing with viscous solutions such as antibiotic liquids.
If you are buying the nebuliser in the UK for your own personal use or on behalf of someone who needs it for their own use, the purchase can be zero-rated for VAT. They need to be classed as chronically sick or disabled (this includes asthma, COPD, emphysema, bronchitis etc). You do not need a doctor's letter as a simple self-declaration will be sufficient. Your supplier will be able to provide more information about this.
Please remember that borrowing a nebuliser from another person may have associated health risks - if they have a chest infection (which is commonly seen) this may be passed on if the equipment is not sufficiently cleaned and the filters/masks/medication cups changed as per instructions.
