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Inhaled corticosteroid counselling — GPhC CRA MCQ

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ModerateRespiratory TherapeuticsInhaled corticosteroid counsellingGPhC CRA

A 35-year-old woman using beclometasone inhaler 200 micrograms twice daily reports a sore mouth and white plaques after a dose increase. She has no fever and uses salbutamol less than twice weekly. What would you advise the patient?

Educational content. Not a substitute for clinical judgement or local policy.

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Correct answer: A — Check inhaler technique and advise rinsing the mouth after each steroid dose

Inhaled corticosteroids can cause local oral candidiasis and dysphonia, especially with poor technique or higher doses. Rinsing the mouth after use and optimising technique reduce local exposure. The patient may need clinical assessment or antifungal treatment if candidiasis is confirmed. Stopping preventer therapy without review risks loss of asthma control.

Reference: BNF; NICE CKS Asthma