Inhalers for asthma or COPD can lead to fungal infections in the mouth and throat. To avoid this, you can rinse your inhaler and mouth after each use and consult your doctor about adjusting medication doses.
If you use an inhaler, you may have a higher risk of an infection called oral thrush. A buildup of a type of fungus in your mouth and throat causes it.
Certain medications in these inhalers can remain in the mouth and throat, leading to higher rates of developing oral disease and infections.
You can reduce your risk of developing inhaler-related oral thrush by taking certain steps, no matter how often you may use an inhaler.
What is oral thrush?
Oral thrush is an infection of the mouth and throat. It occurs when Candida fungus develops. Other names for oral thrush are candidiasis and oropharyngeal candidiasis.
The infection causes white or yellow bumps to grow on the inside of your cheeks and on your tongue.
Thrush is generally mild and often goes away quickly. People with weakened immune systems might have more trouble fighting the infection. In rare cases, this can allow the thrush to spread to other parts of the body and lead to serious complications.
Inhalers can deliver medications for treating asthma and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD).
Some inhalers have corticosteroid medication in them. This medication can increase the risk of developing thrush.
Corticosteroids reduce the swelling in your lungs and airways, making breathing easier.
When you use your inhaler, the steroid medication reaches your lungs, but it
The fungus that causes oral thrush is normally found in your mouth, throat, and digestive tract but doesn’t cause problems. When your immune system is weakened in this area, the fungus can grow and lead to oral thrush.
You can help lower your risk of getting oral thrush from using your inhaler in several ways, such as:
- taking the lowest dose of steroids that can still manage your asthma or COPD
- taking nonsteroid medications that can reduce how frequently you use your inhaler
- having your doctor prescribe an inhaler spacer or buying your own nonprescription spacer, which may help get more of the medication straight to your lungs instead of in the mouth and throat
Other steps include:
- rinsing the mouth of your inhaler after each use to clear it of any medication
- rinsing your mouth or brushing your teeth after you use your inhaler
- maintaining overall good oral health
Your healthcare team can best guide you on how to use an inhaler to help with your condition. They can also adjust any medications that may contribute to developing oral health issues.
When using an inhaler, you may not immediately know if you’ve developed oral thrush. Symptoms
- white or yellow bumps that form in patches on the inner cheeks, tongue, or roof of your mouth as well as your throat
- dry or cotton-like feeling in your mouth
- loss of ability to taste food
- bad taste in your mouth
- redness in your mouth
- pain in your mouth
- pain when you swallow food or liquids
- redness and dry or cracking skin at the corners of your lips
There may also be additional symptoms, including bleeding in your mouth from when the bumps break open. Oral thrush can also spread to your esophagus, causing a sore throat and additional difficulty swallowing.
Learn more about oral thrush
You can consult your healthcare team about symptoms related to oral thrush and possible treatment options that may work for you.
In general, your doctor may discuss prescription antifungal medication that you apply inside your mouth for 1 or 2 weeks. They may also discuss other medications depending on your medical history and specifics of your oral thrush.
Most cases of oral thrush clear in a couple of weeks. A single dose of antifungal medication may be enough to cure the infection.
Most people won’t have complications from oral thrush. However, people with weakened immune systems might need additional treatment if the infection has spread.
People with asthma or COPD can get a fungal infection called oral thrush from their corticosteroid inhalers. The infection occurs because the steroids in the inhaler weaken the immune system in the mouth and throat.
Oral thrush can cause discomfort and trouble eating. However, antifungal medications can usually quickly treat it.
Consult a medical professional if you notice signs and symptoms of oral thrush. They can prescribe the right medication for you and help you take steps to prevent it in the future.