Sore throat from Symbicort

[NewZealand13]

Sore, dry throat from Symbicort even after rinsing properly.

[Wrighty103]

A few years ago my GP put me on Symbicort and I, unfortunately, got bad thrush at the back of my throat for weeks and months. I would rinse thoroughly but I still got it. Think it’s because it’s a dry powder inhaler and whatever you do, you will get a coating of the meds at the back of the throat. Eventually, the GP took me off it and I’ve now been on Fostair for good couple of years, which I find v good - because it’s a conventional style inhaler that I use through a spacer to limit meds in the mouth/throat. I still rinse every time though!

Hope you get on ok with it - some people seem to be able to use Symicort without much problem but I was on and off using anti-fungal meds in the mouth to clear the thrush! 🙃

[NewZealand13 in reply to Wrighty103]

Thank you so much for the reply and great information. My situation is probably a little different from most people in this forum. Four months ago, I was cleaning a carpet at our rental property and the chemicals, unfortunately, got the best of my lungs and I had a severe problem trying to breathe. My doctor put me on Symbicort and said I would likely need about 6 months to get my lungs cleared again. So I have not been diagnosed with COPD or asthma. Anyway, after 4 months, which was just last week, I could not take the sore, dry throat any longer. I had tried rinsing, and using mouth wash, but it did not help and yes, I also had thrush. My doctor gave me an antibiotic for that. Five days ago I just stopped taking the Symbicort. Lo and behold, my breathing has been OK. However, my throat is still so very sore and I'm wondering if this is still the result of the inhaler or maybe, well, who knows. If I need to get back on an inhaler, I will ask about the other option you gave. Symbicort caused problems from day one no matter what I did to avoid the issue. Do you know anyone who stopped taking their inhaler and the sore throat continued? I don't want to get on another antibiotic if I don't have to; I am hoping this problem will eventually resolve itself. I have not tried to exercise in the 5 days that I have stopped using the inhaler. I'm almost afraid to try because if I have problems breathing, I cannot bear the thought of getting back on the inhaler. Again, thank you for your kind and helpful reply.

[Poobah]

I now gargle with listerine after every use. It really helps keep the sore throat at bay and you can try brushing your tongue with a toothbrush or use a tongue scraper. I use dry powder inhalers so have to really keep on top of mouth hygiene - if I forget it's not nice!

[DeanSamson]

I use symbicort 4 x 2 a day. I had the dreaded sore throat, constantly clearing throat was horrible. I started by gargling salt water every 2 doses which did work to a point. I started taking Allicin Max recommended by my boss just for general health benefits and since taking it iv never had a sore throat or phlegm in throat etc. The natural garlic is a anti fungal medicine aswell. I thought it was coincidence but I don't even gargle or anything now and it's never came back. Good luck

[NewZealand13 in reply to DeanSamson]

Thank you, Dean, for the great information. I stopped taking Symbicort five days ago because I can't take the wicked sore, dry throat. I will keep your information handy if I need to get back on it. My situation is that cleaning chemicals got into my lungs when I was cleaning a rug at a rental property. My doctor wanted me on the inhaler for 6 months. I was on it for four months when I stopped 5 days ago. My breathing seems to be OK, thank goodness, but I still have an awful sore throat. I'm hoping it goes away soon, otherwise, it's back to the doctor. Thank you again, Dean.

[peege]

Same here, change of inhaler fixed it.

[NewZealand13 in reply to peege]

Thank you for the tip. Much appreciated.

[peege in reply to NewZealand13]

If it is thrush then a load of live plain yogurt sometimes helps

[Jjude1003]

I’m also on Symbicort and find that rinsing/spitting isn’t enough. After inhaling I gargle/spit three times and then drink a glass of water. I notice a big difference when I do this.

[NewZealand13 in reply to Jjude1003]

Thank you, Jjude, I have heard others say that helps. Unfortunately, it did not do the trick for me, but I'm hopeful of better things to come. Thank you again.