Asthma

Asthma is a long-term disease of the air passages of the lungs causing the airways to become inflamed and narrow, making breathing more difficult. It affects people of all ages, often starting in childhood, although it can develop for the first time in adults.

There are many things that may trigger an asthma attack and these can be a combination of genetic predisposition and environmental exposures including

allergies (pollen, animal fur, dust mites etc.), cold air, pollution, chemical irritants or smoke, or infections (colds or flu), as well as emotional extremes and medications. Being able to identify trigger factors will help keep symptoms under control.

The main symptoms include wheezing, a tight chest, coughing and breathlessness. There is presently no cure, however there are treatments that can keep the symptoms under control with the use of devices such as inhalers. The main types of inhaler are the ‘reliever’ – which are used when needed to relieve symptoms for a short time, or the ‘preventer’ which is commonly used morning and night to reduce inflammation and improve asthma symptoms.

Inhalers contain measured doses of medication that is taken into the airways when administered and although these are a source of comfort and relieve asthma symptoms they also have side effects such as a dry mouth production. Corticosteroid inhalers which are used to prevent an asthma attack have a more topical effect on the mouth s only about 15% reaches the lungs, leaving the rest in the mouth This can interfere with the way saliva moves around the mouth and disturb the sense of taste.

When using an inhaler there are some simple and effective methods to prevent the sensation of dryness in the mouth. Always ensure the inhaler is clean and dry and maintain a good oral care regime by cleaning your teeth twice a day and cleaning between the teeth with floss or interdental brushes regularly. Using XyliMelts in conjunction with an inhaler can help keep symptoms of a dry mouth at bay and at the same time reduce the risk of dental caries.