Oral thrush
Hi
I’ve been taking asthma medication and inhaled steroids as long as I can remember but in the last couple of years I have started getting what I assume is oral thrush. It usually starts with red dots at the roof of my mouth or white patches on my tonsils. I’m nervous to ask the doctor or chemist about it because I’m so worried they will say something else is wrong ! I have recently had it again after getting a pretty bad cold- thankfully that’s gone now but the white patches seem to remain and I have earache in one ear too that keeps coming back. It might be because I’m tired of anxious about this but I just wanted to know if this is normal ? Do I need to do something about it or do people have any ways to get rid of oral thrush without medication ?
Thanks!
HI.
Thank you for your comment and questions. Just so you know, your concerns are similar to others in the community -- and one that affected me too in my asthma past. In fact, I wrote an article (which I will attach below) where I wrote about my experience with thrush and what works for me (https://asthma.net/living/lets-talk-oral-thrush). It certainly can be normal to get thrush if you are using steroid inhalers. And there are also actions you can take to prevent this from happening, which I discuss in the article. You will see by the article that I do have home remedies for treating thrush. Although, to determine if you actually have thrush, and to get one of the medicinal treatments for it, you would have to have that discussion with your physician. What do you think? John. asthma.net community moderator 
Hi Skye - we hear you! Others in the community have expressed similar sentiments when it comes to the 'thrush' experience. It certainly can be both challenging and frustrating - we understand! Have you had an opportunity to discuss this with your prescribing physician? The doctor may have be able to assist you with this issue. What do you think?
Leon (site moderator asthma.net)
Hey there -- sorry you've been a bit burdened lately with thrush. I feel like it happens to just about everyone who uses inhalers ... it has even happened to me on occasion from using antibiotics! Sometimes, you can do everything right and still end up with thrush. Try not to be hard on yourself. A chemist/pharmacist may be able to recommend some supportive products, but ultimately they can't diagnose or treat any conditions. I know the anxiety you are feeling and the "what if" of something else being wrong -- but, in the end, not seeing the doctor won't help you feel better, physically or emotionally. If something is wrong, they can get you the help you need. If nothing is wrong, you walk away with peace of mind!
I am not sure how healthcare works outside the US, but I do know it can be a long wait. Is it easier to have a phone call or maybe a video chat? In the States, it's possible to send a message to your doctor and even include images, which might be useful in the case of thrush. I hope you can get in touch with someone quickly, at the very least to ease your worries. Take care and keep us posted! -Melissa, asthma.net team
Hi
Thanks so much it’s nice to know people get this frustration and the anxiety that comes with it ! I’m going to try and call my doctor sometime and see what they say - I know there is often a long wait and I’m unsure about being able to send photos but I’ll ask them!
Thanks again everyone for being so supportive- so glad I finally found this forum !You are welcome, Skye. Hopefully, you can be seen soon. And do keep us posted on how it goes. John. asthma.net community moderator
