Physicians prescribe Advair to individuals with the chronic respiratory diseases such as asthma and COPD. During an asthma attack, bronchial airways constrict causing wheezing, breathing difficulty, coughing and discomfort. The air sacs of COPD sufferers are malformed and cause breathing problems similar to that of an asthma attack. Advair contains two medications, a bronchodilator and corticosteroid. Despite its popularity, Advair does come with risks that consumers should know prior to taking it.
Asthma-related Death
The combination therapy of fluticasone and salmeterol, the bronchodilator and corticosteroid components, can increase the chance of asthma-related death, according to Science Daily. Salmeterol is a long-acting beta2-adrenergic agonist, or LABA, which is a bronchodilator that opens airways for increased breathing capability in the long-term. A 2006 Cornell and Stanford Universities' statistical analyses found that regularly inhaling salmeterol increased the risk of respiratory death by more than twofold in comparison to a placebo. Physicians only prescribe Advair to individuals with severe asthma or COPD conditions such as emphysema.
Thrush
Advair inhalation, both in the inhaler and diskus form, can cause thrush in mouth and throat, according to MayoClinic.com The Asthma and Allergy Foundation of America says that only 10 percent to 30 percent of inhalation steroids, such as fluticasone, actually reach the lungs. Instead, the majority lingers in the mouth or throat and can cause an overgrowth of the fungus candida, or yeast. It appears on the tongue and cheek lining as milky white lesions. Rinsing the mouth with water following each dosing significantly reduces the appearance of thrush.
Headache, Dizziness, Nausea and Worsening Symptoms
Like all medications, Advair has common side effects such as headache, dizziness and nausea that can occur immediately after application. Usually, patients rarely experience these symptoms and if they do, they are mild in nature. More serious conditions, however, can emerge and include a general worsening of symptoms. Bronchospasms, fast and uneven heartbeats and chest pain require immediate medical attention as this can indicate a serious underlying issue. Patients are urged to follow prescribed dosing set forth by a medical professional as improperly using Advair can increase the chances of serious side effects.
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