Praxis Medical Insights

Est. 2024 • Clinical Guidelines Distilled

Made possible by volunteer editors from the University of Calgary & University of Alberta

Last Updated: 6/14/2025

Preventing Oral Thrush with Inhaled Corticosteroids

Introduction to Prevention

  • Using a spacer device with metered-dose inhalers (MDIs) can reduce medication deposition in the mouth, as recommended by the American Academy of Allergy, Asthma, and Immunology 1
  • The American Thoracic Society suggests using the lowest effective dose of inhaled corticosteroid to minimize the risk of oral thrush 1
  • Considering the timing of inhaled corticosteroids in relation to tooth brushing may help prevent oral thrush, according to the American Thoracic Society 2

Preventive Measures

  • The American Academy of Allergy, Asthma, and Immunology recommends using the lowest effective dose of inhaled corticosteroid to prevent oral thrush 1
  • Higher doses of inhaled corticosteroids increase the risk of oral thrush, as noted by the American Academy of Allergy, Asthma, and Immunology 1

Treatment of Oral Thrush

  • No cited facts are available for the treatment of oral thrush, as the relevant information is not accompanied by a citation ID.