by Rose Broyles

My dad is afflicted with COPD with chronic Asthma as the culprit. I have exercise-induced asthma so I know the discomfort and distress it can cause sometimes. For Dad, albuterol doesn’t control ALL of his symptoms. Even with his two breathing treatments everyday (using a nebulizer) without Advair, he would still feel uncomfortable. So, his doctor prescribed him Advair awhile back to help with the control of his asthmatic symptoms. For us, this has been a key to his well-being for the past few months since his pneumonia hospitalization. 

What is Advair?

ADVAIR is for people who, even with another asthma controller,  still have symptoms of asthma or  need two controllers. ADVAIR contains salmeterol. Caution: In patients with asthma, medicines like salmeterol may increase the chance of asthma-related death. So ADVAIR is not for people whose asthma is well controlled on another controller medicine.

Benefits

Most other asthma controllers only treat one symptom whereas Advair treats both airway constriction and lung inflammation. Advair is used a maintenance medication in addition to another asthma controller.

Risks and Side Effects 

• Ear, nose, and throat irritation, including thrush in the mouth and throat
•  Respiratory symptoms 
• Headaches
•  Stomach irritation
• General muscle aches

Any continuation of these symptoms or worsening such as hives, rash, or swelling should be directed to your doctor.

Is Advair Right For You?

Only your doctor can determine which asthma medications are right for you. However, possible questions to ask your provider can include the following:

• Do you use a rescue inhaler daily?
• Do you have asthma symptoms daily?
• Do you wake up at night more than once a week due to asthma symptoms?
• Do you have some limitation of normal daily activities?
• Have you gone to the emergency room or into the hospital or required oral corticosteroids 2 or more times in the past year?

More information can be found at Advair’s website.

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