Description

Fluticasone inhalers are what?

An inhaler containing fluticasone delivers the drug to your lungs. The medication helps to reduce swelling in the airways, which can help prevent symptoms like wheezing, coughing, chest tightness and difficulty breathing.

Fluticasone may be an aerosol inhaler or a powder inhaler, depending on the product. Patients should therefore use the instructions that come with their particular inhaler.

### What Are Fluticasone Inhalers For?

Inhaled fluticasone is mainly used by doctors for the maintenance treatment of asthma. Regular treatment helps control inflammation of the airways and reduces the risk of asthma symptoms. But fluticasone doesn’t work instantly during a sudden asthma attack.

Certain combination inhalers also have fluticasone with another medicine. For instance, some fluticasone combinations are used to control symptoms of asthma or COPD. The specific use depends on the product prescribed.

How Fluticasone Inhalers Work

Fluticasone reduces inflammation in the airway. Therefore, the airways may be less irritated and breathing may become easier over time. But the medicine is for ongoing control, not fast symptom relief, so patients need to take it regularly as prescribed.

It may also take time to realise the full benefit. Patients should not discontinue treatment simply because they feel better unless the healthcare professional advises them to do so.

How To Use Your Fluticasone Inhaler

Take your inhaler as your doctor or chemist has told you. Inhalers work differently so please read the instructions for your particular product carefully.

If you are not sure, ask a health care professional to show you the correct way to use your inhaler. Good technique helps to get the medicine into your lungs.

Some patients using fluticasone inhalers should rinse their mouth with water and spit it out after using the inhaler (do not swallow). This may help reduce your risk of oral fungal infections such as thrush.

Potential Side Effects

Fluticasone, like other medicines can cause side effects. Some people may experience throat irritation, hoarseness or oral fungal infections. After inhalation, rinse the mouth to reduce the risk of some throat and mouth problems.

Inhaled corticosteroids also have other risks, especially at higher doses or over the long term. So if you have any persistent or unusual symptoms, talk to your healthcare professional.

Important Safety Information

Do not use fluticasone for an acute asthma attack instead of a rescue inhaler. Fluticasone inhalation is not for rapid relief of bronchospasm or for the relief of acute bronchospasm.

Tell your doctor if you are taking any other medicines and if you have any other medical problems. Some medicines can influence the levels of fluticasone in your body and your healthcare professional may need to keep an eye on your treatment.

FAQs

Is fluticasone inhaled for asthma?

Yes. Fluticasone inhalation is used to prevent symptoms and as a maintenance treatment to help control asthma.

Does fluticasone help with asthma attacks?

No. Fluticasone is not for the immediate relief of an acute asthma attack. Your doctor can recommend the best short-acting rescue inhaler to use if you have sudden symptoms.

Yes, you should rinse your mouth after using fluticasone.

Many fluticasone inhalers recommend rinsing the mouth with water and spitting it out to lower the risk of fungal infection in the mouth and throat. Follow the directions for your specific product.

Can I stop taking fluticasone when I feel better?

Do not stop taking your fluticasone without first talking to your healthcare professional. The medicine will help to control inflammation, even when you are not showing any obvious symptoms.

Overall

Fluticasone inhalers may be important in chronic asthma treatment. When used properly and consistently, they decrease inflammation of the airways and help prevent symptoms of breathing. However, they are not emergency medicines for sudden asthma attacks. So use your prescribed inhaler under professional guidance and ask your doctor or chemist whenever you have questions about technique, side effects or changes in your treatment.