Rinsing your mouth after using an inhaler is a common and important step to prevent potential health issues. This article explains why this practice is crucial, detailing the scientific reasons and outlining the health consequences of overlooking it.
The Science Behind the Rinse
Inhalers deliver medication to the respiratory system. Many, especially those for long-term conditions like asthma or COPD, contain corticosteroids. While these medications reduce airway inflammation, some of the inhaled dose remains in the mouth and throat.
This residue occurs because not all medication reaches the lungs; some particles deposit on oral and pharyngeal tissues. Corticosteroids exert local effects where they land. If left unrinsed, these residual ingredients can interfere with the natural balance of the mouth and throat, leading to adverse reactions.
Potential Health Consequences
Failing to rinse after using corticosteroid inhalers can lead to several adverse health effects. A common issue is oral thrush (oral candidiasis). This fungal infection results from an overgrowth of Candida yeast, which proliferates when residual corticosteroids suppress the local immune system. Oral thrush appears as painful white patches on the tongue, inner cheeks, or roof of the mouth, potentially causing a burning sensation or difficulty swallowing.
Dysphonia, or hoarseness, can affect up to 50% of steroid inhaler users. This occurs because the medication can irritate or affect the vocal cords, leading to changes in voice quality like a breathy or croaking sound. Vocal cords may also experience dryness, irritation, or swelling from direct medication contact.
Throat irritation and soreness are common side effects. This discomfort can stem from the medication’s drying or irritating effect on throat tissues, or it can be a symptom of developing oral thrush. Unrinsed medication can contribute to chronic throat discomfort and inflammation.
Best Practices for Oral Hygiene After Inhaler Use
Rinsing your mouth thoroughly minimizes risks associated with inhaler use. After administering puffs, take a sip of water, swish it vigorously, and gargle to reach the back of the throat. Always spit out the rinse water, do not swallow it, to remove medication residue.
This practice is especially important for those using inhaled corticosteroid (ICS) inhalers, often used for long-term disease management. While not all inhalers require rinsing, it is recommended for any inhaler containing corticosteroids. Incorporating this into a daily routine, perhaps before brushing teeth, helps maintain oral health and prevent complications. Using a spacer device with metered-dose inhalers can also reduce medication deposited in the mouth and throat, further aiding prevention.