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Anyone else have a "raw" tongue from using inhalers?

A MyCOPDTeam Member asked a question 💭
Ponca City, OK

Question??? Does anyone else have a "raw" tongue from using inhalers? I have even started sipping a little milk to coat my tongue before using the inhaler and then I rinse and rinse and rinse and then drink a glass of water. But the tongue remains raw. It makes for a great diet....but I am getting hungry and thirsty.

I do not have blisters.....tongue is just red and raw. Thought of yogurt...but really do detest it.

May 13, 2015
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Answer Summary

Members responded with helpful advice about the raw tongue question, with many agreeing it is likely oral thrush caused by steroid inhalers.... Read more

Members responded with helpful advice about the raw tongue question, with many agreeing it is likely oral thrush caused by steroid inhalers. Several members shared treatments that worked for them, including prescription options like Nystatin suspension, Clotrimazole lozenges, and Oral Daktarin, as well as home remedies like baking soda rinses, coconut oil pulling, and acidophilus supplements. A recurring theme was the importance of rinsing thoroughly after every inhaler use, with many recommending an alcohol-based mouthwash, and some finding relief by switching inhalers or using a spacer device like an Aero Chamber.

A MyCOPDTeam Member

@A MyCOPDTeam Member Tongue was sore and Dr. gave me a prescription for thrush and it cleared up. Our meds cause thrush.

May 13, 2015
A MyCOPDTeam Member

Another tidbit I picked up from another doctor was to always make certain you use a mouthwash with alcohol. I use my inhaler and then rinse with Original Scope after I used my Trelegy Elipta each morning and although Trelegy is a one dose a day product, I again use Original Scope at night after I take my night pills. By doing so, I have not had Thrush since!

December 20, 2020
A MyCOPDTeam Member

I too use the Nystatin suspension. Initially it was impossible to find in any drugstore. They all said it was back ordered with no refill date. Someone mentioned maybe a compounding pharmacy and called and there it was. Do not know what that kind of pharmacy is but do not think it was that. Asked why they had it when no one else did and they just said " we have a better distributer than anyone else" whatever that means! Good luck

April 27, 2019
A MyCOPDTeam Member

I get a sore mouth but have changed my inhaler

December 9, 2018
A MyCOPDTeam Member

I always carry a small bottle of mouth wash in my bag, when I go out, Never failed me yet. .

December 1, 2018

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