Asthma & Oral Thrush

[deb2005]

I have asthma and use an oral inhalent (Advair) and a nebulizer with Xopenex. This controls my asthma symptoms very well but although I have been on this same treatment for the past 7 years, recently I have had a problem with getting thrush. I have had a Thrush infection 4 times - each time it comes on in a day or two and is extremely difficulty to irradicate. I wanted to do something proactive and so I got another kind of nebulizer kit that allows me to breathe through my nose instead of my mouth. While I have not had another attack of Thrush my sinus membranes are very tender now. I am careful to rinse, gargle, and rinse my nose after I use the nebulizer but this does not prevent tenderness. Is there nothing one can do to prevent thrush from taking hold? Are there any other methods I should try?

[Gabby2007]

Are you rinsing your mouth after using Advair? You're probably getting Thrush from that - from the oral steroid in it, not from the xopenix. If you have been rinsing, maybe you could ask your doc to switch you to a steroid that comes in a MDI - the canister - and of course a different long acting bronchodialator. That way, you could use a spacer with the steroid, which would reduce your risk of Thrush.

[gardenandcats]

Advair often causes oral Thrush. My doctor told me to rinse my mouth really well after each time I use Advair..Taking Acidolphelus capsules help with thrush also

[dazedandconfused10]

I agree rinse really well, not a quick rinse, rinse your throat and I brush!

[deb2005]

Thanks so much to all of you - especially for pointing me in the right direction. I really like the Advair and have not liked the canister models so well. I will strive to rinse as thoroughly after I use the Advair as I do the nebulizer with Xopenex and I think I also may try the acidophilus. I appreciate your suggestions and if you think of anything else - please let me know.