Medication Use

[ljohnsonterrehauteedccom]

After being diagnosed with 'late on-set asmath 8-months back, my daily regiment isone-puffs of Advair 50/500 twice a day followed by Ventolin as needed but no more than two-puffs fours times daily.  My question: how will these drugs affect my lungs, teeth, mouth over a long period of time?

[toolmaker]

Thank you for your comment.

[bsmsl]

Yes, all inhaled steroids need to be rinsed throughly from the mouth after use.  They promote the growth of thrush, a yeast infection, as well as other issues.  I gargle after each inhalation and then brush my teeth when I am done.  

[toolmaker]

Will Qvar cause the same problems?

[aldunn72023]

Well it should keep your lungs stable and possibly increase the strength or capacity of them.  As for your teeth and mouth, your doctor should have given you instructions to rinse or brush your teeth after using the Advair, otherwise it can eat through the enamel and also cause sores and sensitivity in your mouth.  If you have any concerns, you should call your doctor or pharmacist.  Hope this helps.

[caregiver222]

In addition to rinsing when using an inhaled steroid, ideally you should gargle immediately several times and not swallow.

[bsmsl]

I am sure that you have been rinsing your mouth well after using the Advair, or you would have thrush already.  That is the worst that can happen with inhaled steroids.  The doses are SO much smaller than oral steroids and they go directly where they are used that there are no associated systemic side effects.

The long term benefits would be a reduction of the inflamation in your lungs.  After a while, you may talk to your dr about using Advair 250/50 instead.  

The broncho-dilater Ventolin could cause elevated heart rate, but that is temporary and goes away as the dose wears off.

Feel better.