What Can I Do If I Can't Rinse My Mouth After Using My Inhaler?
Using a short-acting asthma reliever (quick-relief or rescue) medicine is the most effective and practical way to manage asthma symptoms. This includes albuterol with an inhaler device and a spacer. If you use albuterol for quick relief, you don’t need to rinse your mouth out after using it.
But the possible side effects of using inhaled corticosteroids are an important concern. This includes developing oral candidiasis (thrush), which is a fungal infection of the mouth.
There are a few things you can do to decrease the risk of side effects. This can be done if the medicine you take has a corticosteroid and is part of your treatment plan but rinsing your mouth isn’t an option:
- Always use a spacer with the inhaler if it is a metered dose inhaler. This helps to lower the amount of medicine that deposits in the mouth and throat. It can decrease irritation in the mouth and throat. It can also help prevent candidiasis (thrush).
- Wipe your mouth and lips with a tissue after inhaling if water is not available. This can help remove medicine residue.
- Drink water or chew sugar-free gum shortly after using the inhaler. It can clear any medicine residue from your mouth.
But remember, it is more important to take your medicines if you are having asthma symptoms even if you can't rinse out your mouth.
Here is more information on asthma inhalers and dental health, including a list of medicines that contain corticosteroids.
John M. James, MD, is a board-certified allergist. He is also President of Food Allergy Consulting and Education Services, LLC. He has worked as a medical specialist in the field of allergy, asthma, and immunology for over 30 years. Dr. James received his bachelor’s degree from the University of Arkansas and his Doctor of Medicine degree from the University of Tennessee. He is board certified by the American Board of Allergy and Immunology.
Comments (2)