Thrush from symbicort

I use Symbicort and albuterol and when the roof of my mouth starts getting raw, I use baking soda and water to rinse with and after the second rinse it goes away. If I rinsed every day, I probably wouldn't have a sore mouth at all. It makes a great mouth wash with no gaggy after taste.

Love this! The roof of my mouth is always a little sore. Will try tonight!

I started Symbicort 4 days ago rinse and I still caught theush

@sharrondriver
When I was given an inhaler to help with bronchial issues I was warned to gargle after every time I used the inhaler. This was to prevent getting Thrush.

I don't see any mentioned of this on post done on this subject of gargling every time. One poster even mentioned probably would not have issues if gargled every time.

I am commenting on what my Mayo doctors told me on this and what to do not my personal opinion.

@sharrondriver Are you using a chamber like the Vortex with the inhaler? This gets more of the medication to the lungs and deposits less in the mouth. Between that and rinsing, I have managed to avoid thrush for several years now.

@sueinmn can you buy chamber are do you need a prescription

You can buy them over the counter and online, but should probably talk to nurse about recommendations (there are different types and mouthpieces), and a prescription might get insurance coverage.

It’s important to use a spacer when using an inhaler containing a steroid component for best results and to minimize chance of thrush. I’ve used generic symbicort for 3 years with no problem.

@sharrondriver - I have mine prescribed by my allergist, which has gotten me a really nice chamber/spacer to use. A pharmacist suggested to me I use this instead of the more flimsy spacers pharmacies typically dispense with some of the inhalers. I've really liked it.

@lisalucier thanks

@sharrondriver
The nurse at my pulmonologist office said to always rinse with an alcohol based mouthwash like Listerine. I've been using the Symbicort inhaler for over a month with no problems.