Any tips to avoid inhaler (Advair) sore throat? New to inhaler use

Posted by annewoodmayo @annewoodmayo, Jul 8 1:00pm

Hi, everyone! I recently started using a daily inhaler (Advair) for the first time for newly diagnosed intermittent asthma. It works really well.

My throat has gotten really, really sore. I'm 90% sure that it is from the inhaler use, not from a virus or other cause. I have rinsed and gargled according to the instructions.

I'm really hoping that some "old pros" here might have some tips on how to avoid the sore throat. OR any other helpful tips and hints to avoid problems.

I would really appreciate any advice. The sore throat made me postpone my rheumatology medicine last month- can't take it if any signs of infection. It is creating some serious problems, pain and anxiety for me.

Please advise! Thank you very much!

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Sue, Volunteer Mentor | @sueinmn | Jul 8 3:13pm

@annewoodmayo Is this the dry powder inhaler or the aerosol?
When I started with daily duo inhalers (bronchodilator plus corticosteroid) my throat hated the powder version, but I have had better luck using an aerosol inhaler with an inhalation chamber (spacer) to get more of the med into my lungs instead of mouth and throat. Also, I did not tolerate salmeterol, the bronchodilator in Advair very well, so I was switched to (generic) Symbicort, which has a different one called formoterol. Finally, I was switched to the lowest dosage, which means on bad days I might need to use it 3 times instead of twice, but overall I find it tolerable.

Maybe you can talk to your doctor about trying some changes.

denzie | @denzie | Jul 9 8:35am

Do gargle after using it.

annewoodmayo | @annewoodmayo | Jul 9 9:27am

In reply to @denzie "Do gargle after using it." + (show)

Denzie,
Thanks for replying! I have been gargling with water- a lot.
Yesterday, I used regular water and then salty water. I don't think it made a difference. Do you recommend another kind of liquid to gargle?

My doc lowered the dose yesterday. I haven't gotten the new, lower inhaler yet, so I don't know if that will help.

Again, thanks for your reply!

annewoodmayo | @annewoodmayo | Jul 9 9:35am

In reply to @sueinmn "@annewoodmayo Is this the dry powder inhaler or the aerosol? When I started with daily duo..." + (show)

Hi, Sue! Thank you for your reply : )

I have the little can, which is the aerosole, I think.
I do use the chamber thing, which really helps. When I took the lung function test, the tech gave it to me.

The doc sent a script of lower dose to the pharmacy for me. I'll pick it up today. Fingers crossed.

Do you rinse and gargle with anything other than plain water?
I'm thinking of gargling with a mouth wash for dry mouth before using the inhaler, so the med doesn't stick. And maybe after using it also. Do you have any thoughts on this plan?
Thanks so much for your reply. This site has helped me so much with my other health issues, too. You volunteers are really, really GREAT !

shar1120 | @shar1120 | Jul 9 10:02am

I am using a small portable nebulizer once or twice a day with similar medications that are in Advair. Less expensive and no more sore throat/ thrush (had thrush many times from Advair). You cannot use a spacer with Advair

denzie | @denzie | Jul 9 10:10am

In reply to @annewoodmayo "Denzie, Thanks for replying! I have been gargling with water- a lot. Yesterday, I used regular..." + (show)

I dilute mouthwash with water- about 50/50-to gargle and rinse. I buy whatever is on sale.

annewoodmayo | @annewoodmayo | Jul 9 10:41am

In reply to @shar1120 "I am using a small portable nebulizer once or twice a day with similar medications that..." + (show)

Shar,
Good to know!!
If the current plan doesn't work, then I'll ask doc about nebulizer. I really appreciate your giving me a just in case "next step" plan. Takes away some of the fear and anxiety.
Thank you very, very much!

kspowell | @kspowell | Jul 10 5:36am

In reply to @shar1120 "I am using a small portable nebulizer once or twice a day with similar medications that..." + (show)

I use a spacer with Advair and it works quite well. Why do you think you can't use a spacer with Advair?

shar1120 | @shar1120 | Jul 10 7:23am

In reply to @kspowell "I use a spacer with Advair and it works quite well. Why do you think you..." + (show)

I was told the spacer is only for plain abuterol. Not sure if that is correct or not

budisnothome | @budisnothome | Jul 10 7:45am

Google search inhaler with spacer. It helps the medication get into your lungs. Inhale and hold breath for 10 seconds. Wait 1 minute and do it again. Spacer makes my meds easier to inhale and no throat issues.