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My brother is 76, lives on his own, is of sound mind. Eats well. He gets out a few times a week. Has given up most of his driving. He has a lot of other things wrong with him. All of which the specialists and doctors are dealing with. He has constant fluid on the lungs. At the moment is on high dose of steroids, antibiotics etc. This will be stopping shortly. He has told me that the antibiotics are cutting down on his coughing. Do you think oxygen breather would help? Is it possible to get this without a prescription? Where would I get him some? Have any of you done this (or had dealings with this) I need to help him. (He is miles away from me.)

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If he thinks oxygen is warranted he needs a prescription from his doctor. This is not an item that can just be bought.
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Contact his PCP. There are many requirements that need to be met prior to Medicare paying for oxygen. First are pulmonary function tests that must be done. Oxygen is expensive and health care providers need to submit a lot of testing and paperwork to Medicare to get it paid for - endurance testing, O2 sats, lab work. I suggest your brother get one of those puloximiters (the little device placed on the top of finger) and have him log it. He can purchase one @ CVS or another chain for about $40. O2 sat should be above 90% on room air. Ideally 95% or greater- to me 90% is too low but Medicare rules are rules.
Good luck!
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Shane, what do you think about asking for a script for a nebulizer?

Buzzy, my father had to have a sleep test for oxygen sats overnight first; that started oxygen for nighttime use. Gradually he required it for daytime use, and as Shane wrote, had tests for that as well.

What we also used was a HEPA air purifier and a humidifier, both in the living room, where he spent most of his time,

You might also ask about an incentive spirometer. We've gotten ours during hospital stays, so Medicare paid for them.
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Ah thank you :)
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Thank you all. I will check things out. :)
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Thank you GA, appreciated. :)
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A nebulizer is a great idea as well, GA. Any treatment to open his airways should be considered. A nebulizer can be ordered without a lot of paperwork and is very beneficial for many patients.
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