Cope with Advari Side Effects

As a respiratory therapist I have often seen people in the middle of an asthma attack or a COPD exacerbation. When a person is struggling to breath and his airways have constricted a brochodilator is needed. However to reduce attacks a maintenance medication such as Advair should be taken. Advair side effects may occur but with an understanding and by taking precautions side effects can be reduced.

First is important to understand what Advair is and how it can help. Advair is a combination of a long acting brochodilator and a steroid. A brochodilator helps open the airways up and a steroid reduces inflamation. People with asthma and COPD often have both airway constriction and inflammation and that's where Advair can help.

Although Advair can be beneficial it may come with some side effects. Medications containing inhaled steroids such as Advair can cause the user to develop thrush in his or her mouth. This Advair side effect is very easy to prevent. A person taking Advair should rinse his mouth with water immediately after inhaling the medication. Its essential to avoid swallowing the water. In should be spit out. This helps rinse out any of the medication residue in the mouth.

Although unlikely Advair can produce some side effects on the cardiovascular system such as increased heart rate. To reduce this Advair side effect be sure the doctor prescribing the Advair is fully aware of any other medical condition you may have.

Its important your physician is aware of any other medications you are taking either prescribed or over the counter. This can reduce the chances of any drug interaction related side effects from taking the Advair.

Another Advair side effect to be aware of is loss of bone density. Long term users of inhaled steroids may accelerate bone loss. This is a concern especially in people with other risk factors for bone loss such as advancing age and smoking. Some ways to reduce this side effect is to take calcium supplements, eat foods rich in calcium and do some form of weight bearing exercise such as jogging or power walking several times a week.