Table of Contents
IV. Corticosteroid Side Effects
V. How long does it take for Flovent to work?
What is Flovent?
Flovent HFA is a medication used to improve breathing symptoms in asthma patients. Flovent contains fluticasone, a corticosteroid drug that can controls breathing issues. Fluticasone is a long-term medication and must be used daily for the full benefit. If you notice the following symptoms, Flovent may be right for you:
- Chest tightness
- Trouble sleeping due to shortness of breath
- Coughing or wheezing attacks
- Chest pain
- Shortness of breath [1]
Fluticasone is typically paired with an emergency inhaler to treat sudden asthma symptoms. If you want to save money on your Flovent inhaler prescription, you can purchase discount asthma medications through a certified online pharmacy like MyDrugCenter. Read on to learn more about the function of Flovent HFA.
Asthma is a chronic breathing condition that affects the lungs. It is one of the most common breathing problems that affect children, but it can extend into adulthood. There is not one single cause of asthma. Asthma can be triggered by environmental factors, exercise, allergies, and occupational factors. Regardless of the cause, asthma develops when an allergen gets into the small air passages in the lungs. The allergen causes the lining of the airways to swell and the muscles around the airways to tighten. Mucus will also fill the airways, causing unpleasant side effects like coughing. Asthma may be well-managed with medications like Flovent, but flare-ups of asthma symptoms may occur when you encounter a trigger. But how does Flovent manage asthmatic side effects? When you inhale Flovent, fluticasone reduces the inflammation in the airways to make breathing easier. [2] Yes, Flovent does act as a steroid in the body. Steroids are typically used to treat immune system disorders like rheumatoid arthritis, lupus, and vasculitis (inflammation of the blood vessels). All of these disorders cause inflammation in the body. Fluticasone is a corticosteroid that acts as an anti-inflammatory drug. Corticosteroids are human-made substances meant to resemble cortisol (a hormone produced by the adrenal glands). Steroids may be administered to a specific area or systemically dispersed throughout the entire body. Corticosteroids work by decreasing inflammation in the immune system. Inflammation occurs when the body’s white blood cells protect against infections and foreign substances. [3] Steroids can reduce inflammation chemicals in the body and reduce tissue damage. Flovent works the same way and improves breathing problems. There are some side effects of long-term corticosteroid use, so it is important to be aware of potential complications of Flovent. The side effects of Flovent depend on how you use the medication and your Flovent dosage. Common side effects of inhaled corticosteroids include oral thrush and hoarseness. Oral thrush occurs when Flovent builds up on the tongue and inside the mouth. This medication build-up can lead to a fungal infection in the mouth, causing white lesions on the tongue, inner cheeks, and sometimes the roof of the mouth. Taking inhaled corticosteroids can irritate the upper digestive tract. Flovent HFA can lead to sore throat, throat clearing, and a cough. One study published through the Jama Network found that 55 percent of patients who use steroid inhalers experienced hoarseness when using an inhaled corticosteroid. [4] If these symptoms become bothersome or persistent, tell your doctor. As mentioned earlier, Flovent is not an emergency inhaler and will not improve asthma symptoms quickly. How effectively Flovent works may depend on your dosing timing. Typically, your doctor will prescribe two inhalations twice daily. Common dosages of Flovent HFA include 125 mcg, 250 mcg, and 50 mcg. [1] Using Flovent regularly is the only way to improve asthma symptoms. Once you begin Flovent, it can take one to two weeks or longer until you notice significant improvements in your breathing condition. If you take Flovent for several weeks and do not notice an improvement in your asthma, talk to your doctor to change your dosage. To learn more about Flovent HFA, have a look at our fluticasone blog today. DISCLAIMER: The information in the article is not meant to be used for treatment or diagnosis. It is designed for general awareness and for information purposes only. Always consult a medical professional for your specific healthcare needs.
Flovent HFA for Asthma
Is Flovent a Steroid?
Side Effects of Corticosteroid Use
How long does it take Flovent to work?
How to Use Flovent HFA