Can you rent a nebulizer???

[sncbird]

We're planning our next trip to WDW for this June. DD 7 has asthma . I'm really worried about the humidity and think she will need to use a nebulizer while we're there. We're flying and the nebuilizer we have for her is pretty big and heavy. I would much rather rent one if that's possible. Thanks for any suggestions.
Christine

 

[AprilsZoo]

I would imagine you can; but remember you will need a Rx to rent one.

A cheaper alternative (and much more convienient to take along) is an inhaler used with a spacer (sometimes called a holding chamber). Brand names are: AeroChamber, OptiChamber, OptiHaler, MicroChamber, Inspirease, and others. The best one we have found -- and we've tried them all -- is the OptiChamber.
We use it with a soft, silicone mask attachment. I recommend the mask even for older kids, it is simpler and they come in different sizes.

Even babies can use spacers, with a mask. You just fit it over their face, spray the inhaler and then hold it in place until they have taken several breaths (usually 6-8). Then repeat, if the Rx directions say to. You can give albuterol and even steroids this way.

Ask your Dr about this option. Then you can have it with you on the plane, in the parks, and wherever. Plus they get their med in seconds, not minutes. That's a big plus for us!

Good luck
April

 

[tink2dw]

My friends Daughter has asthma. And she Definately needs the nebulizer at WDW. They scent the air in the rides!! Pirates of the Carrabean is the WORST for her as they have a moldy scent in there that really affects her asthma!!

My friend checked with the medical company that first supplied their nebulizer and they had a smaller travel one that was actually more powerful and better made. Go figure!! So, they take it with them in a stiffer type duffle bag with her meds on board the plane.

I'm Diabetic so I also take all my meds on board in a small 18 can,collaspible cooler bag,as my 2nd carry on. I refuse to be parted from it!! As it is life or death. As is my friends Dd's asthma!!

 

[sncbird]

Hi AprilsZoo -Thank you so much you your thoughts. DD normally takes her meds through an OptiChamber which does works really well. But, when her asthma acts up really bad, her Dr. wants her to use the nebulizer. I just don't want to have to bring that big bulky thing with us

Thank you - tink2dw - I didn't know they had travel size neb's. We're taking her to see her allergy / asthma specialist in April so I'll ask him for a scrip for one then.

 

[AprilsZoo]

If she tends to need nebs often and/or unpredictably, you may want to ask her Dr. about an Ultrasonic nebulizer . They are very small and portable. Treatment time is almost cut in 1/2. And silent, barely a hissing sound.

Here is a link to see what one brand looks like. This is the one we have. OmronAire

There's also another one on their site that appears to cost less, but I haven't heard about it before. It appears to be a Jet Neb, not US. OmronElite

They are expensive. But our insurance covered one when our Dr. said our son needed to have a neb available for immediate use at all times; basically that his asthma was not stable enough to predict his reaction to triggers.

The only draw back to the US nebs we've found was that you cannot nebulize Pulmocort in it. It's a fairly new steroid designed for the neb, but only jet-type. Not a big deal for most people.

Fortunately, Singulair was a miracle drug for my son and as long as he gets that little pink tablet every day, we can actually "forget" he even has asthma. He is essentially symptom-free!!

Good luck!!

 

[pugdog]

Most insurance companies won't pay for them but it would not hurt to ask. as far as using nebs over inhalers, if you use the inhaler correct it is just as effective as a neb ,if not better.
And aprilszoo as far as pulmicort goes the FDA only approved jet nebs for it but other nebs work just as well.
Just to give my qualifacations I'm a respiratory therapist at a kids hospital.

 

[AprilsZoo]

Hmmm...

The Pharmacist told us that from what he researched for us, that the ultrasound somehow caused the molecular structure of the Pulmicort to break down thereby making it ineffective.

I'll have to do a little research of my own, I guess.

Thanks for the info.

 

[sneezy1956]

April:

We carry a small nebulizer everywhere. It's about the size of a kids lunch box. Check with your insurance company. Mine paid all but about $50 for the one for my son, it was a replacement for the big heavy boxy one we had before.

Also check with your doctor and see if he will contact visiting nurses or your local hospice group to see if they have one you could borrow or rent for your trip.

Jane

 

[SueM in MN]

These places are full service Medical Equipment compnaies and note on their websites that they rent respiratory equipment:
Care Medical:
http://www.caremedicalequipment.com/

Colonial Medical
http://www.colonialmed.com/about_cms.html

So, if you do need to rent at WDW, I'm pretty sure they can help you out.

 

[sncbird]

WOW - Thank you so much everyone for your suggestions. I really appreciate them!!!
Christine

 

[jamsmom]

I have an Inspiration Nebulizer that I pack every time I go to WDW (or anywhere). IT makes the suitcase heavier and takes up room, but I have had to use it too many times.