For those of you with asthma

[kissmelittleass]

How do you prevent oral thrush caused by the inhalers? I started with oral Candida a few years ago which then spread into the esophagus and was only recently discovered by a scope. I was told it was probably caused by my inhalers, I took the brown preventer 2 puffs twice a day and the blue inhaler as needed. I am now not taking any inhalers unless I feell I need to because I'm scared of it returning.

Drink water straight afterwards

I use Corsodyl mouthwash every day and that seems to help. I started it to prevent mouth ulcers from another medication, but this has been an added benefit. Supposedly it can stain your teeth, but that hasn't been a problem for me.

You could also get a spacer to use as apparently that can reduce the risk of thrush too. Pharmacies sell them, or you can buy online. I have an AeroChamber one.

You need to use your inhalers as prescribed though. However unpleasant thrush is, it won't kill you, whereas asthma can.

I really struggled with my brown inhaler, even with thorough rinsing. In the end they gave me tablets instead, which resolved the situation.

Oh, forgot to say, it won't be your blue one that's causing the issue.

I take my inhaler then brush my teeth. I've never had an issue with oral thrush.

Thanks for replies, the Candida in my esophagus was quite severe and can be extremely hard to get rid of so I'm told. Hence my fear of taking something that caused the problem as I wasn't aware I had it. My symptoms were always put down to something else when the visible thrush in my mouth/throat disappeared but of course no one could see it was further down in the esophagus.
I was only given the brown inhalers about 4 years ago which would of been the start of the problem but previous to that I was only prescribed the blue one. I wonder if I could just go back to using the blue one when required.

I gargle with the mouthwash as well, but obviously that wouldn't help further down the oesophagus.

I didn't mean to be dismissive. But you were prescribed the preventer for a reason. Maybe see the asthma nurse to discuss it. They might be able to prescribe an alternative that is less likely to cause thrush. And they can decide whether you still need to be taking the preventer.

Try a turbohaler rather than a traditional pump.

Thanks ladies, we don't have an asthma nurse or clinic at our surgery but I'll ask the doctor next time I'm there. I'll ask about the turbohaler.