What if nebuliser treatment does not relieve a cough?

A nebuliser delivers medicine as a mist, but the medicine may target only certain airway problems. Cough can also come from a viral infection, mucus, allergies, reflux, throat irritation, or a medicine. A cough may persist while the original irritation settles, and a continuing cough does not by itself show that the nebuliser was used incorrectly.

Follow the prescribed nebuliser instructions and do not repeat doses or add medicines unless a clinician tells you to. Note when the cough began, whether it is dry or produces mucus, what triggers it, and whether fever, wheeze, chest discomfort, or breathlessness occurs. Drink fluids if you can, avoid smoke, and arrange review if the cough is worsening, disrupting sleep, or not improving.

Get urgent help for severe breathing difficulty, blue or grey lips, confusion, fainting, chest pain, coughing blood, or an inability to speak normally because of breathlessness. Use your prescribed rescue plan if you have one, and contact local emergency services when symptoms are severe or rapidly worsening.

Ask: What is the likely source of the cough? Is the nebuliser medicine still appropriate? Do I need an examination or other tests? Which symptoms should trigger urgent care? When should I be reviewed?