Flutter valves

David, could you describe the lung trainer? Not sure I know what you mean.

💛 Dawn, USA

If I were you, I would ask your GP or asthma nurse to refer you to a pulmonary consultant, who can arrange some lung function tests and possibly xray/CT scans to see exactly what is happening in your lungs. I have recently been diagnosed with COPD and my peak flow is still not very good, but following a CT scan, a PET scan and 2 lots of lung function tests, my breathing has improved considerably as the scans revealed a lot of inflammation in my lungs, as well as evidence of pulmonary scarring (ie permanent lung damage).  Like you, I have recently had a bad chest infection, during which time I was taking high doses of steroid medication.  In fact, I was on steroids for a total of 10 weeks to see if the inflammation in my lungs could be reduced.  I have also been prescribed a new inhaler, which seems to be making a difference.  I have a follow up appointment with my consultant at the end of April, so it will be interesting to see how much my lung function has improved.  I have never heard of flutter valves, so will google them, to see what they are.  Good luck with your treatments.

Hi ,I to have Asthma,and was diagnosed after a hospital stay in 1992 as a 46 year old who smoked, that's when I stopped smoking,,,,that was my experience of an asthma attack ,,,,which came after a bout of Flu ,,,,since then I have been diagnosed copd after I  had repeated chest infections ,,,this year I was prescribed the FLUTTER devise by the copd nurse specialist ,,,,as with the chest infections the mucus was extremely difficult to move,,,,,this devise has helped me a lot to loosen the mucus.i was lucky to get mine on prescription ,,but I know some practises won't prescribe them do the cost £50 approx, but if you look on the amazon website they are on their for £45 and the reviews are very good ,also if go on you tube it shows you how to use them ,,,,,it's a simple devise ,,,,looks like a short pipe ( smokers pipe ) with a Ballbaring in the cup ,,,,,the idea is to breathe in ,,,,hold ,,,,then  blow into the pipe to move the Ballbaring ,,,,there are 3 stages to the exersise and fine properly it should take 15/20/30 minutes depending on how sticky etc the mucus is ,I hope this is of some help ,my apologies for not describing well ,,,,but it's not my forte' haha, and I've had mine since January this year ,but I feel better after using it ,good luck ,

Hi David, My husband has used a flutter valve for a number of years along with Mucadyne which helps to break up the thickness of the mucus. The flutter valve enables him to clear the mucus off of his chest. He (like nanny) has his flutter valve on prescription. Whilst the process is long and laborious, it has really helped in the chest clearing process. He would certainly recommend it.