Husky throat with Relvar Ellipta

[LizPat30]

Firstly as newly diagnosed with bronchiectasis can I thank everyone for this forum. It is so helpful. Following a lung function test in September my FeNO score was so high I'm on a Relvar Ellipta inhaler highest dose. This has made a terrific difference to my lung capacity, I can now walk quite long distances without being breathless. But I've almost lost my voice, some days better than others. I always rinse my mouth after inhaling but any other advice would be most welcome. Thank you.

[Hidden]

Do you use a spacer? if ot it might be a good idea to ask your GP if you can have one on prescription. This link will tell you more about them.

asthma.org.uk/advice/inhale...

[LizPat30 in reply to Hidden]

Thank you for replying, I don't have one and don't know what it is, but my GP is very helpful so I could ask.

[peege in reply to LizPat30]

A spacer is more efficient at delivering an in hale dose, 50% more....only the spray type, not the powder ones.

For good measure I rinse and gargle before using my inhaler as well as after! I used to get a gravelly throat with Seretide, thankfully not with present one Fostair.

Another reason we rinse and gargle is to avoid getting thrush in the throat which is quite common.

When you're recently diagnosed don't hesitate to ask your gp any questions, I'm sure they'd rather get things right for you. P

[Patchpoppy2 in reply to peege]

Hi peege, I too found seretide bad for throat, got a lot of thrush in mouth, I was changed to fostair and it did help. My voice however comes and goes all the time, had endoscopy to check hadn't strained vocal chords. Thankfully all was ok. I've been told gravelly throat in and off is just due to amount of coughing bronchiectasis causes

[Patchpoppy2 in reply to Hidden]

I totally agree a spacer does help.

[Gladwyn]

Hi I’m on Trelegy Ellipta one dose a day and with ventolin200 accuhaler 4 doses a day I can hardly believe the difference they have made to my breathing I feel like a new person ! Both are powder inhalers and a spacer wouldn’t fit on them. I’ve only been on them about 5 days and as yet no problem with my voice.

[LizPat30 in reply to Gladwyn]

Yes, I realise that a spacer wouldn't work now I've researched it. I've had 2 months of the inhaler.

[WindsweptRissa]

Make sure you gargle too. I always take relvar before I clean my teeth and then gargle.

[LizPat30 in reply to WindsweptRissa]

Thank you that's really helpful. Xxx

[Kpacific]

My doctor also recommended gargling after rinsing you’re mouth. He suggested eating something before using the inhaler. Residue from the food would coat the larynx and vocal cords and help keep medication from sticking to them. Best wishes.

[LizPat30]

Thank you I'm going to try this. Xxx

[Hidden]

My daughter was very hoarse for 6 months starting a different steroid inhaler. Not so bad when she went on to relvar earlier this year (same dose as you - 184/22), but still slightly hoarse for a couple of months. Generally speaking we’ve found that hoarseness associated with inhalers does pass with time. We’ve also found relvar to be a brilliant inhaler for the small airway element of her disease, but there are other options if the hoarseness doesn’t settle with time.

[LizPat30 in reply to Hidden]

Thank you that's reassuring.

[Jaybird19]

I was also told to clean teeth rinse and and gargle after using inhalers . The toothbrush should be kept speçially for this and discarded every 3 months. Wh

[Hidden in reply to Jaybird19]

We were told you should wait 20 minutes before brushing teeth, minimum: rinsing reduces residue in the mouth, which helps prevent fungal issues and gum problems, but immediately brushing afterwards results in the particles being brushed into the teeth and gums, thus increasing the risk of dental problems related to the steroids. A few other places online also state this to be the case, including the National

institute of Medicine and Health in the US. Can’t find a british link, but I’m sure I previously found an NHS statement to the same effect online.

[Jaybird19 in reply to Hidden]

forgot to say thank you for information re brushing teeth after using inhalers.Will revise my routine !

[LizPat30]

I'm starting tomorrow, I've been rinsing but not cleaning my teeth afterwards or gargling.

[Hidden in reply to LizPat30]

See my reply above re. brushing - we were told when small one went on symbicort aged 6 that you should absolutely rinse and spit with water, but wait at least 20 minutes to brush your teeth, and the relvar patient leaflet specifically lists rinsing as the appropriate action.

[Jaybird19]

Have just found your post about ellipta. I havent got mine yet but these posts have been reassuring . How are you finding it now after 2 months.?

Nobody mentions fractures and side effects. in their replies.