Cracked corner lips could it be my steroid inhaler

[Lynkeogh]

Side of my mouth corner of my lips are cracked and sore could it be Relvar 184/22 Spiriva Respimat 2.5

My dentist said I may be run down or it’s the steroid damage? She gave me cream which has helped a little but it keeps cracking

Does anyone else have this problem?

[Wheezycat]

I have had this problem, for sure, but at that time I was not on any medication.

[Lynkeogh in reply to Wheezycat]

Thanks for your reply wheezycat. Think I need to find a better technique for my inhaler as the fine mist escapes out the side of my mouth..... operator error I think

[Wheezycat in reply to Lynkeogh]

I had that issue long before diagnosed with asthma, and long before steroid inhalers. It went away in due course. If you aren’t, have you considered using a spacer? Easier to use and a more efficient way to take your medication.

[Poobah]

It could be a result of inhaled steroids so always brush teeth and use mouthwash after inhaler use. Steroids can cause fungal infection in the mouth hence the need for good & regular mouth hygiene.

But it could also be a vitamin or mineral deficiency. A blood test would show up any deficiencies.

Have a chat with your pharmacist about something that can give you relief if it's sore or uncomfortable.

If mouth hygiene is good then see your GP to check your bloods. Some meds can create a vitamin or mineral deficiency in some patients - this should be listed on the patient leaflet that comes with your inhalers.

[Hamscoul]

It can also be a symptoms of iron deficiency anaemia. In women this is always a possibility if they are still having periods.

As previous comments have said good mouth hygiene can help when you take steroid inhaler.

When I had them it took a long time for them to go away. They are a nuisance.

[Saassii]

It's called angular chelitis. yes it has a fungal origin. Yes steroid inhalers will make it worse.

Foods trigger it also. Example my daughter was getting it every single time she ate cheese and cheese is a fermented and moulded product. We were also living in a Water damage building at that time when that was happening. Now since we have moved from the water damage building she is tolerating a little cheese from time to time without the angular chelitis.

you are describing wheezing, asthma and angular chelitis , this makes me intensely concerned about your environment?

[Lynkeogh]

Thanks guys appreciate your help I am going to doctor re haemoglobin as I’ve never been able to give blood as count to low. This may be the root cause. Lynx

[Minushabens]

I use that inhaler & haven’t had that problem but that’s not to say it’s not the case for you. Plus steroids do very strange things to you. Have you checked the PIL (Patient Information Leaflet)? It might mention there if it’s a known side effect.

[Lynkeogh]

Update. Just discovered I am very seriously anaemic. Ferritin levels 3. This is a side affect of low iron. Have been so very tired - Lyn