oral thrush from inhaler

[LRLR]

Hi

I have a problem with oral thrush from using fostair 200 inhaler. I follow all tips (spacer, rinse ect) Have had all three types of medication for it topical and tablet however it is not clearing and has now been going on nearly two years.

Has anyone had this problem and found a change of inhaler helped? Can anyone recommend an equivalent combination inhaler to fostair 200 please?

I have asked two doctors to change my inhaler but they say no because it’s the same steroid ingredient just a different brand so no point and they don’t want to risk aggregating asthma (I am controlled at present but can’t step down to 100 as this never works)

I have appointment with doctor number three this week to persuade trying me on a different inhaler- and thought if I had a name of an inhaler to try I could ask for it.

Any advice / experiences / insight much appreciated

thankyou x

[risabel59]

Hello,

Once Oral Thrush gets a hold its difficult to treat. Using a spacer and rinsing are all good things to do.

Have you asked to have your inhaler technique checked? Even if you think you are doing it right its good to get this checked. I've used inhalers for 50+ years and a resp. physio recently tweaked my inhaler usage.

The things that have helped me are using a steroid inhaler called Alvesco, (ciclesonide) it is less bioavailable and has smaller particles than other steroid inhalers so doesn't get stuck in your mouth. The only problem with this is it is not part of mart regime. It is only a single drug. And obviously there are great advantages to the Mart regime. Also alot of G/Ps are still not familar with it as it tends to be prescribed as a third line option.

My asthma is complicated so I take a lot different drugs as well steroids for my asthma and my doctors have found I am better when I can control the steroid and don't over do the LABA side of things. So I have a separate LABA/LAMA inhaler.

The other is do not use alcohol or anti bacterial mouth wash as your rinse. If necessary use warm salt water, or just warm water and if you need the antibacterial side of things use a micro brush dipped in antibacterial for between your teeth. ( I do this)

Lastly it may be worth asking your dentist or hygenist to help. I have found they are incredibly helpful on this side of things and totally understand the downside of steroid usage.

I do occasionally still get oral thrush flair ups, but much less frequently than in the past.

Lots of people here have the same problem, so I am sure you will get lots of tips.

Best

R

[Bevvy]

Over the years I have had significant issues with oral thrush that never seems to clear up! Was advised by gp to swill salt water around my mouth several times a day during each outbreak. I find it incredibly helpful and for me it works. Could be worth trying for you.

[GintyFerguson]

Hi, I use Fostair. You say you 'rinse' . I gargle and rinse. I feel getting the back of the throat rinsed by gargling is important. I also try to avoid too much sugar. In the past Daktarin gel has worked well for me. Chemist will sell it. Hope you can get rid . I tend to get it more when I'm run down.

[Gareth57]

Have you tried a DPI version of Fostair? I may be lucky but I've used both strengths for years, not both at the same time, and not had a problem.

[peege]

Ages ago when on Symbicort I had oral thrush & I was advised to cut out sugar for three months (because the fungal feeds from sugar?) and also use live yogurt. It cleared and has never come back. I dont know if that's because I've stuck to very low sugar and still have plain live yogurt daily in my granola. Another thing I've done for years is is rinse and gargle before inhaling as well as after. I figure the particles won't stick to a really wet mouth and throat.

I was always told tge particles in Fostair were smaller than other inhalers.

Lots more old posts and their replies to be found by using the search bar and 'Related Posts ' to the right (or scroll down on a phone).

[ChrissieMons]

I think the main thing is to get rid of the thrush first, with medication, then prevent it returning. Obviously a good gargle and swallowing at least twice is basic. I have one of those devices which jet wash your teeth, and it is gentler on your mouth and tongue than brushing.

[Homely2 Administrator]

Corsodyl worked for me, but stained my teeth. So once I had it under control I switched to salted water.

Re inhalers, ask the asthma UK helpline for suggestions.

[Poshcards]

I have been using Fostair 200 for a few years now, no problems and I dont do any of these gargles etc, just rinse my mouth after inhaling with tap water twice x

[ReedB]

I was also on the 200/6 Fostair and was getting stubborn thrush which just wouldn't go despite many courses of fluconozol, lowering sugar intake, gargling etcIn the end my consultant has put me on the 100/6 mart and things have improved. If this isn't an option for you then as someone else has suggested maybe you could add the alvesco alongside?

I hope you find a solution, thrush is no fun.

Good luck

[LRLR]

Thank you all of these things were really useful! I changed my inhaler technique-realised taking two puffs at the same time was not good! Instead took 1 puff and rinsed/gargled inbetween. This helped -I noticed a difference within a few days. . A week later I managed to change the fostair and got ciclesonide inhaler from the doctor with a separate dry powder formotetol. This has made a massive difference. I’m also on flucanozole and have been given 1month supply this time instead of only 1 week. I feel so much better and there seems to be hope the medication will work this time now I have stopped the fostair.

Thankyou for all the words of wisdom!