What should patient do to prevent oral fungal infections associated with inhaled steroids?

• A. Rinse mouth with water and spit it out
• B. Do nothing
• C. Gargle with mouthwash and swallow
• D. Brush teeth after inhalation but don't rinse

Answer: (A)

Oral candidiasis from inhaled steroids happens because medication can coat the mouth and throat, suppressing local defenses and allowing yeast to grow. Rinsing the mouth with water and spitting after each inhaled dose physically removes residual steroid from the oral mucosa, significantly reducing this risk. Gargling with mouthwash and swallowing doesn’t remove the drug as effectively from the oropharynx, and brushing afterward helps dental hygiene but isn’t as reliable for clearing remaining medication from the mouth. Using a spacer with the inhaler can further lessen deposition in the mouth, but the key preventive step is a thorough mouth rinse.