Do you have asthma? Or does your child? Did your doctor prescribe you a brown, orange inhaler? Are you a little confused about how to use it and what it actually does? It's normal to feel that way. Don't worry. Today we're talking about the Fluticasone inhaler, a very important medicine that many people use to control their asthma.
What actually happens with this inhaler?
Simply put, Fluticasone is a medicine that prevents asthma symptoms . Think of the airways in your chest as small airways. In someone with asthma, these airways become inflamed, sensitive, and narrowed. This inflammation is what causes things like coughing, wheezing, and difficulty breathing.
Fluticasone is an inhaled steroid . This means that when you inhale it, it goes straight into your lungs. It goes there, reduces the swelling in your airways, and makes them smaller. It makes it much easier to breathe.
We call this inhaler a 'controller inhaler' . This means that you need to use it every day as your doctor tells you to, to keep your asthma under control.
Very important: This inhaler cannot be used for a sudden asthma attack. At that time, you should use a quick-acting 'reliever' inhaler, which looks like a blue one. This is used to prevent an asthma attack from happening.
Things to tell your doctor before starting this medication
Before prescribing Fluticasone inhaler to you, it is very important that your doctor is aware of these things. Be sure to tell them if you have any of the following conditions:
| Situation to be reported | A simple explanation |
|---|---|
| Eye diseases | Conditions such as cataracts or glaucoma. |
| Immune system problems | If the body's ability to fight disease is low. |
| Infections in the body | Especially viral infections like chickenpox, herpes, or any other infection. |
| Mouth or throat sores | A recent injury or surgery. |
| Weak bones (Osteoporosis) | If you have osteoporosis or are at risk for it. |
| Use of other steroids | If you are taking a steroid pill like Prednisolone. |
| Being pregnant or trying to get pregnant | If you are pregnant or expecting a baby. |
| Breastfeeding | If you are a mother who is breastfeeding your baby. |
| Allergies | If you are allergic to fluticasone or any other medicine or food. |
How to use the inhaler correctly?
To get the most out of this, it is very important to use the inhaler correctly.
1. Shake well: Shake the inhaler well before use.
2. Exhale: Before putting the inhaler in your mouth, exhale as much as possible.
3. Put it in your mouth and inhale: Close your lips tightly around the mouthpiece of the inhaler. Now, as you take a deep breath, press the top of the inhaler (canister) once. Continue to breathe deeply.
4. Hold your breath: Take the inhaler out of your mouth and hold your breath for about 10 seconds, if possible. Then breathe out slowly.
5. Rinse your mouth (required!): After taking the medicine , rinse your mouth thoroughly with water and spit it out. This is very important. Because if some of the medicine powder remains in your mouth, a white fungal infection (thrush) can develop in your mouth. Rinsing your mouth eliminates that risk.
Take your medicine exactly as your doctor tells you to, as often as you need to, and at the exact times. Even if you feel you have no symptoms, do not stop taking your medicine until your doctor tells you to.
When given to children?
This medicine is also prescribed for children over 4 years of age. However, special care should be taken with it. If your child has difficulty using the inhaler properly, ask your doctor about a device called a 'Spacer'.
What if the dose is increased?
If you think you have taken too much medicine, immediately call the National Poisons Information Centre at the Colombo National Hospital , or go to the Emergency Treatment Unit (ETU) of the nearest hospital.
Things to keep in mind when using the medicine
- Regular check-ups: Keep seeing your doctor to check your condition. Tell him if your symptoms don't improve or get worse.
- Asthma Action Plan: Work with your doctor to create a personalized 'Asthma Action Plan', which should include clear instructions on what to do when your asthma is worsening (yellow zone) and what to do in an emergency (red zone).
- Risk of infection: This medicine may make your body less able to fight infections. So tell your doctor if you develop symptoms like fever, body aches, or sore throat. Try to stay away from people who are sick.
- Bone health: This medication may cause some bone loss when used for a long time. Talk to your doctor about your bone health.
- Child growth: If a child takes this medicine at high doses for a long time, the child's growth may be slightly slowed. Your doctor will check your child's height and weight regularly.
- Eyesight: There is a small risk of developing cataracts or glaucoma with long-term use, so it is a good idea to have your eyes checked regularly .
What are the possible side effects?
Like any medicine, this can cause side effects in some people, but most people don't.
| Side effects that should be reported to the doctor immediately | |
|---|---|
| Allergic reactions | Skin rash, itching, swelling of the face, lips, tongue or throat. |
| Thrush | White spots inside the mouth. |
| Increasing difficulty breathing | If you experience increased wheezing or difficulty breathing after using the inhaler. |
| Decreased function of the adrenal gland | Nausea, vomiting, loss of appetite, unusual tiredness, dizziness. |
| Flu-like symptoms | Fever, chills, muscle aches, cough, headache. |
| Things that are usually nothing to worry about, but should be mentioned to the doctor if they persist | |
| Voice change/hoarseness | Cough |
| Sore throat | Headache |
Other medications that may interact with this medicine
Tell your doctor about any other medications, vitamins, or herbal supplements you are taking. It is especially important to let them know if you are taking any of the following medications:
- Some antibiotics such as Clarithromycin and Telithromycin
- Some antiviral drugs given for HIV or Hepatitis
- Antifungal medications like Ketoconazole, Itraconazole
- Nefazodone (a medication for depression)
How do you hold the inhaler properly?
Keep the inhaler out of the reach of children and pets. Store at room temperature (between 20-25 degrees Celsius), with the mouthpiece facing down. Keep away from excessive heat. Discard the inhaler when the dose counter on the inhaler reaches "0" or when the expiration date has passed.
Take-Home Message
- Fluticasone is a 'controller' inhaler that controls asthma. It should be used every day, not as an emergency.
- Always keep a 'reliever' inhaler (like the blue one) nearby to use in case of an asthma attack.
- Rinse your mouth with water and throw away the inhaler every time you use it. This is mandatory.
- Even if you feel better, do not stop taking the medication without your doctor's advice.
- Talk to your doctor about your asthma action plan.
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