Ways to Avoid Developing Oral Thrush from Using an Inhaler

Using corticosteroids as inhalers to treat asthma and other respiratory conditions can increase your risk of developing thrush, a fungal infection in the mouth. People with respiratory conditions may have compromised immune systems which can increase the chances of getting thrush when using an inhaler. But it can also be due to poor oral hygiene.

Even though using inhalers may increase your chances of getting thrush, it's not common. It's more important to keep using your inhaler to manage your asthma, as necessary. If you experience frequent spells of thrush, talk to your GP about underlying health conditions that may be causing it.

This article discusses the signs, causes, and treatment of thrush, as well as ways to prevent thrush when using a corticosteroid inhaler.

What is Thrush?

Thrush is a fungal infection that is found inside the mouth, causing painful white patches on the cheeks and tongue. Candida is the name of the fungus that causes thrush. It is commonly found in the environment and on our skin. Thrush is common in infants and small children and less common in adults. It is often a side effect of corticosteroid inhalers used for asthma and other respiratory conditions.

Signs of Oral Thrush

Common symptoms of oral thrush include:

• Redness inside the mouth
• White patches on the tongue, the roof of the mouth, back of the throat, cheeks, gums, or tonsils
• Mouth pain, soreness, or discomfort
• Loss of taste
• Problems swallowing
• In severe cases, you may also experience fever

Oral Thrush and Inhalers

Inhaled corticosteroids such as Olbas Oil Inhaler Stick and Vicks Inhaler Nasal Stick are frequently prescribed to treat asthma or chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). A side effect of these medications is decreased immune function, which may increase your likelihood of developing certain infections such as thrush oral fungus.

Approximately 3% of people who use inhaled corticosteroids get thrush.

Other Causes of Oral Thrush

In addition to corticosteroids, certain other medications may make you more likely to develop thrush, including antibiotics and birth control pills.

Some medical conditions and circumstances that may also increase your chances of getting thrush:

• Diabetes
• Cancer
• Human immunodeficiency virus (HIV)
• Dry mouth
• Pregnancy
• Smokers
• Infants who are breastfeeding

How to Prevent Oral Thrush When Using an Inhaler

Practicing good oral hygiene is key to preventing thrush. 

Here are 4 different ways to avoid developing oral thrush when using an inhaler:

1. Brush your teeth or rinse your mouth out with water or after every inhaler use
2. Brush and floss your teeth regularly
3. Avoid foods with high sugar content or foods with yeast
4. Quit smoking

Treating Oral Thrush

If you do develop thrush, it can be treated with oral or topical medications, such as fluconazole, or topically with antifungal mouth rinses, such as Nystatin, which are swished around the mouth and then spit out. People often choose to use topical medications because they are less likely to cause side effects.

Online4Pharmacy carries a wide range of treatments for oral thrush. Visit us online to find the OTC medicine that’s right for you.