Dry Mouth (Xerostomia) and Allergy Inhalers

Do you use inhalers to ease your seasonal allergy symptoms? Allergies can make you feel like your body is under attack. Allergy inhalers, such as Beclomethasone, can be lifesavers, allowing you to control symptoms and get on with your life. Unfortunately, corticosteroid inhalers can cause Dry Mouth. It’s an uncomfortable condition but can be helped by using over-the-counter products.

Inhalation therapy for allergies is a welcome option for many sufferers. Inhalers act locally and are quick and easy to use. However, allergy inhalers can cause Dry Mouth – a condition that can be an unwelcome side effect. Luckily, home remedies are available to help ease the symptoms and let you get on with your life.

Why does it happen?

Corticosteroid inhalers, like Beclomethasone, are widely used to treat respiratory allergy symptoms, as well as related conditions such as asthma. They work by reducing inflammation. While that helps suppress allergy symptoms, it can also cause dryness of oral tissues.

Another possible side effect of corticosteroid inhalers is candidiasis, or oral thrush. Thrush is a fungal infection, characterized by white patches in your mouth and throat. Symptoms include soreness, pain when eating or swallowing and redness or cracking at the sides of your mouth. Thrush has also been linked to reduced saliva production, which results in Dry Mouth.

Dry Mouth isn’t always just thirst

Also known as Xerostomia (say zeer-o-STOE-mee-uh), Dry Mouth occurs when your mouth doesn’t produce as much saliva as it needs in order to stay healthy. This leads to uncomfortable symptoms such as difficulty in swallowing and talking and soreness in your mouth. It can also affect your taste buds and can even cause painful oral fissures and mouth ulcers.

Dry Mouth affects up to 1 in 5 adults in the US and can impact more than just your oral health. A Dry Mouth can make eating dry food more difficult. This, along with speaking difficulties and bad breath, can affect your social life and self-confidence. Having a Dry Mouth can also disturb your sleep, as you might find yourself waking repeatedly to sip water during the night.

Managing Dry Mouth when using allergy inhalers

It’s important to be able to control your allergy symptoms, but also to prevent Dry Mouth from having a negative impact on your daily life. Luckily, there are a few easy ways to reduce the drying effect of your allergy inhalers and help with Dry Mouth symptoms.

• Start by making sure you’re keeping your inhalers clean and dry. It’s recommended that you follow the manufacturer or prescribed directions for inhaler maintenance.
• If recommended by your healthcare provider, use a spacing device with your inhalers. This could help more of your inhaled medication get into your lungs, so less stays in your mouth.
• Rinse your mouth and throat after each inhaler use. Choose a moisturizing oral rinse formulated specifically for Dry Mouth. There are also special sprays and/or lozenges to keep your mouth moist when you’re on the go.
• Stick to a rigorous oral hygiene routine. Make sure you brush twice daily and floss once. Saliva helps fight plaque, so having less of it means you’re more susceptible to plaque and gum disease.

You don’t have to choose between controlling your allergies and managing Dry Mouth. Practice good oral hygiene, take care of your inhalers and choose an oral moisturizing product that can assist you. These can help you benefit from your allergy treatment while minimizing its side effects.