Hi Deb. It is good to question the proper use of your meds. I have learned that "less is more" works best for me. I do not take any two meds closer than 2 hours apart. From this I can tell that they are actually working. Then I was able to change the timing for daytime or nighttime use according to how they affect my breathing.
The powdered inhalers like Annoro have a drying effect on the lung passages to reduce mucus and the cough reflex. They are in the anti-Cholinergic category, much like DM cough syrups and "water pills" (for OAB and diarrhea issues) help remove moisture for some relief. SO any of our inhalers can leave us with "cotton-mouths". (it's funny how smoking did the same thing and few complained!) Even though the instructions don't say anything about rinsing after each dose, it helps prevent the DryMouth condition which could also lead to a throat or sinus infection (or dental caries), especially if you are taking more than a couple of these aCh-type meds at the same time.
If your diet agrees, Yogurt can be helpful in keeping thrush at bay with regular use. Your pharmacist also has tools to help guide you and take into account all the meds in your regiment which may interact in this way. Take care.

Thanks for the reminder that pain can increase our need for O2 in some cases. Though my Thrush episodes were not painful, there was a noticible increase in chest fluids, congestion and coughing. It happened in the hospital setting (under niv even with humidity), so the only remedy offered was Solumedrol (and Nystatin). And more Water. It's a vicious cycle, indeed.
While Choline is a necessary element in the body chemistry, too much can be a bad thing. I found this statement in a recent article when I googled for "Cholinergic crisis":

<Acetylcholine (ACh) acts on both muscarinic and nicotinic receptors.>

This compound was also studied recently with regards to respiratory impact on those infected with Covid-19. Until later, we trudge on.
Patient, know thyself.

Roland, the anticholinergics can have "dry mouth" as a side effect. Remember that Anoro is a combination med; a combination of the LAMA (anticholinergic or muscarinic agent) and a long acting beta agonist (LABA). Both are bronchodilators, but they act on different receptors. Anoro is a maintenance medication and only works if you take it consistently; there's no immediate effect. There's also nothing wrong with taking it in conjunction with other meds. About the only med any of us take that might have an immediate effect is our rescue inhaler.

i have over the years tried most of the inhalers and the directions have always been the same. 2 puffs every 4 hours or as needed. Most if not all are rescue inhalers so what works for you is the way to go, I have found for me if i dont use Albuterol every 4 hours i dont breath as well. Considering how many different ones you have perhaps talking with the GP would be good.

@A MyCOPDTeam Member, thrush is not a known side effect of Anoro. Anoro does not contain an inhaled corticosteroid, which is what does cause thrush. The Flovent you take is a steroid and that's what can cause thrush, not the Anoro.

Mentioned Users

A MyCOPDT...