Community Views: Combating Oral Thrush

3 min read

Thrush (also known as Candida) is a fungus that commonly causes white spots on several parts of the body, including the tongue. Those with weakened immune systems are more prone to thrush infections. Some people get thrush by using inhalers. This is because the steroids from inhalers can weaken your oral immune system.

Esophageal thrush (the kind you can see on your tongue) can spread to other parts of the body such as the lungs and kidneys, so it is important to speak with your doctor if you are experiencing thrush often.¹ Many people with asthma experience oral thrush regularly, but are there any remedies out there?

We asked our Facebook community: How can we avoid getting a white tongue after taking our asthma meds? Here are the responses we received:

Oral thrush is frustrating

After taking asthma medication, many of our community members vented about how aggravating oral thrush can be. It can cause bleeding, loss of taste, soreness, and difficulty swallowing. It can also create white lesions on the tongue, cheeks, gums, and roof of the mouth.²

"I used to get it so often it drove me crazy."

"I’ve had it a few times now, and it’s so frustrating because I always rinse my mouth after using my inhaler."

"I got thrush after taking steroids."

"I can feel it when it’s coming. My whole body is off."

Remedies for oral thrush

Gargling and rinsing

Many members have expressed that gargling salty water can help combat thrush. Salt has antiseptic properties. It can also help to maintain oral health by brushing your teeth at least twice per day. Research has also shown that Listerine helps to kill the type of Candida called C. albicans. It also has a great antiseptic effect against other funguses and bacteria that can grow in the mouth.³

"Gargle with salty water after every dose and brush teeth immediately afterward."

"You should rinse and swish several times. Also, wash your holder every 2 weeks and air dry."

"I spit at least twice right after every inhale (and I’ve always used a spacer), and then I rinse with mouthwash. THEN I brush my teeth."

"I use the Walmart brand of Listerine mixed with water."

"Use a tongue scraper after you brush your teeth."

Probiotics and food

Probiotics are certain strains of bacteria and live microorganisms that are widely known to improve gut health. However, research has shown that they can improve mouth and tongue health and can reduce oral thrush. Probiotics can be consumed as dietary supplements, or they can be found in fermented foods such as yogurt. The cultures in probiotics like yogurt do not kill Candida, but can prevent it from growing by balancing the good and bad bacteria in the mouth.

"Take strong, refrigerated probiotics every day, and I never have it."

"I eat lots of yogurt. It kills the yeast."

"Alphadophilus tablets, gone in 24 hours."

"Have been told that SweeTARTs work too. The ascorbic acid in the candy neutralizes the yeast."

Prescriptions

With mild cases of thrush, prescriptions and medical treatment may not be necessary since it can clear up by itself or with home remedies. However, severe thrush infections may require 2 weeks of treatment with antifungal medicine or topical antiseptics from the pharmacy. If you frequently experience severe thrush, speak with your doctor.

"I tried everything, rinsing, gargling, brushing, even swish with hydrogen peroxide. Nothing worked except for the prescription pill."

"Some compound pharmacy makes a rinse. It is great."

Thank you for sharing your oral thrush remedies!

We appreciate all of our community members who took the time to share their experience with and remedies for oral thrush from asthma inhalers. Here are some recommended readings for oral thrush that you may find helpful!

What's With My White Tongue?
Let’s Talk Oral Thrush
It Is Not a Sore Throat, It Is (Oral Candida) Thrush!

Community Poll

Do you experience oral thrush?

How do you combat oral thrush after taking your asthma medication? Share in the comments below!

Join the conversation

Please read our rules before commenting.

sashabear Member
For oral thrush as well as regular Candida in general, I learned a terrific remedy from my Oriental Medicine Dr. Get some minced garlic, mix a small amount with Organic Oregano oil, maybe 5 drops, into a very small container, (I use a liquor jigger)and chug with Kombucha. NO, you do not have bad breath, I also add high percentage Iodine, maybe a few drops when I remember. Iodine kills everything, lol
1. Leon Lebowitz, RRT Moderator & Contributor
 <inline-mention username="sashabear" user-id="3057518"/> Hi sashabear, and thanks for joining in this conversation. We appreciate you sharing the remedy which works for you with the community. I understand that this mixture was provided to you by and oriental medicine doctor. I would suggest to community members who may be considering trying this remedy, to run it past their own physician first. It is always a prudent idea to check with one's physician prior to starting any new medication or treatment. Wishing everyone well, Leon (site moderator <a href='http://asthma.net' target='_blank'>asthma.net</a>)
nannygean Member
I have asthma and have to use a medicated inhaler daily for it. I was sick and on medicines which led to me having thrush real bad where it looked like I had cottage cheese all in my mouth, tongue and throat and the doctor had to prescribe liquid Nystatin for me to gargle with and swallow 4 times a day. I have complete dentures and I use my inhaler before I put my teeth in my mouth for the day. I also rinse my mouth and gargle with salt water after using my inhaler, and before I put my dentures in I will gargle at least 4 times, then before I go to bed I will use a soft tooth brush and brush my gums and tongue. I am a senior citizen and now know what to look out for after having thrush, it only took this once for me to be more careful. I was doing everything to be careful before it happened but then some of my new medications triggered it. Now I am even more careful than I was before . 
1. Melissa.Arnold Community Admin
 <inline-mention username="nannygean" user-id="3015763"/> Don't be too hard on yourself! I think the vast majority of people have gotten thrush from their medications at least once before. Sometimes things can sneak up even with the best care and caution -- like a cold or a bladder infection. It sounds like you have a great routine going and I'm sure that makes a difference. Keep it up! Thanks for sharing with us. -Melissa, <a href='http://asthma.net' target='_blank'>asthma.net</a> team
katalinfrog Member
I wanted to clarify that thrush (Candida) on the tongue is not esophageal thrush. This is oral thrush. Esophageal candidiasis is located in the esophagus, the tube heading to your stomach. I experience oral thrush constantly, even after immediately rinsing my mouth and brushing my teeth. I use pro- and pre-biotics. I've had oral and esophageal candidiasis, quite an uncomfortable issue. Thank you for the idea of salt water, I will certainly give that a try!
1. Leon Lebowitz, RRT Moderator & Contributor
 <inline-mention username="katalinfrog" user-id="3024023"/> Hi katalin, and thanks for joining in the conversation. We appreciate you sharing your own personal experience managing this condition and two different types of 'thrush' with the community. We value both your input and your feedback! All the best, Leon (site moderator <a href='http://asthma.net' target='_blank'>asthma.net</a>)
polyanna Member
Hi, I struggled with oral thrush from inhaled steroids for years. I found that the Dry Powder inhalers seem to make it worse for me. I switched to Advair HFA from the Advair Discus. I also scrape my tongue after brushing and have been using Arm and Hammer toothpaste which also seems to help. I have been Thrush Free for several years now, so maybe some of that will help others out there.

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