subject: Tips for Using Advair Diskus to Treat Asthma Effectively [print this page] Tips for Using Advair Diskus to Treat Asthma Effectively
Advair is primarily used to treat and prevent asthma attacks. In some cases, this drug is used for preventing flare-ups or deterioration of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). The most active components of this medication are fluticasone and salmeterol. These ingredients relax the muscles in the airways to facilitate easier breathing and prevent the release of different bodily substances that trigger inflammation. The drug is available in the market in two forms Advair Diskus, which is a powdery substance and Advair HFA, which is in an aerosol form.
Important Precautions for Using Advair Diskus
This medication must not be taken if you are allergic to its key components. The drug must also be avoided by a patient who is allergic to milk proteins.
Since Advair Diskus contains steroids, it must not be consumed if you do not get sufficient calcium or Vitamin D in your diet or if you do not exercise regularly. This is because long-term intake of steroids, coupled with these factors, could result in osteoporosis (bone loss).
Additionally, if you suffer from any of the following conditions, the dosage of Advair Diskus may need to be adjusted:
high blood pressure or heart disease
epilepsy
diabetes
glaucoma
a weak immune system;
osteoporosis
tuberculosis
liver disease
a thyroid disorder
This drug should not be given to children below four. Moreover, it can impede growth in children. Therefore, if your child is on this medication and you feel s/he is not growing normally, consult your doctor immediately.
Understanding the Side Effects of Advair Diskus The most common side effects of the drug are headache, dizziness, sinus pain, sore throat, diarrhea and nausea. In some cases, it may also trigger signs of allergic reaction, such as hives, swelling, difficulty breathing and swelling of lips, throat, tongue and face. In rare cases, Advair Diskus can cause the following serious side effects:
bronchospasm
fever, chills and stabbing chest pain
fast or uneven heart beats
blurred vision or eye pain
sores or white patches on the lips or inside the mouth
Appropriate Advair Diskus Usage and Dosage
A recent research published in the Journal of General Internal Medicine revealed an astounding fact most asthma and emphysema patients use their inhalers wrong. The study conducted on 100 hospitalized patients, disclosed that as much as 7 out of 10 patients misuse their inhalers, such as Advair Diskus.
It is crucial to use Advair exactly according to the doctor's prescription. The medication must not be taken it in larger amounts or for longer than the course of the treatment. Moreover, since the drug contains steroid, do not halt the medication abruptly. Doing so may cause unpleasant withdrawal symptoms. It is advisable to stop taking the drug gradually, by reducing the dosage over time.
