Fluticasone Inhalers

Fluticasone inhalers are a type of medicine used to help people with breathing problems, like asthma and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). These inhalers help reduce swelling in the airways, making it easier to breathe.

How Does a Fluticasone Inhaler Work?

Fluticasone is a corticosteroid, a type of medicine that lowers inflammation. When you breathe in the medicine through the inhaler, it goes directly into your lungs. This helps to keep the airways open, reducing symptoms like coughing, wheezing, and shortness of breath.

Who Uses Fluticasone Inhalers?

Doctors usually prescribe fluticasone inhalers for:

• Asthma – A condition where the airways become narrow and inflamed.
• COPD – A long-term lung disease that makes breathing difficult.

Fluticasone inhalers are not for sudden breathing problems. They are used daily to prevent symptoms, not to stop an asthma attack.

How to Use a Fluticasone Inhaler

1. Shake the inhaler well before using it.
2. Exhale fully (breathe out all the air from your lungs).
3. Place the mouthpiece in your mouth and close your lips around it.
4. Press down on the inhaler while breathing in deeply and slowly.
5. Hold your breath for about 10 seconds, then breathe out slowly.
6. Rinse your mouth with water after using the inhaler to prevent side effects.

Common Side Effects

Most people do not have serious side effects, but some may experience:

• Sore throat
• Hoarseness
• Cough
• Oral thrush (a fungal infection in the mouth)

To prevent thrush, rinse your mouth with water after each use.

Important Tips

• Use your inhaler every day as prescribed.
• Do not stop using it suddenly.
• Keep track of how many doses are left in your inhaler.
• Store it in a cool, dry place.

When to See a Doctor

See a doctor if:

• Your symptoms get worse.
• You need to use a rescue inhaler more often.
• You have side effects that do not go away.

Fluticasone inhalers help many people breathe easier. If you have asthma or COPD, talk to your doctor to see if this medicine is right for you.