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Inhaled corticosteroid oral candidiasis — GPhC CRA MCQ

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EasyRespiratory TherapeuticsInhaled corticosteroid oral candidiasisGPhC CRA

A 64-year-old woman uses fluticasone/salmeterol dry-powder inhaler twice daily. She has a sore mouth and white plaques after recent dose escalation. She has no fever and her symptoms started after poor mouth-rinsing. What would you advise the patient?

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

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Correct answer: A — Rinse the mouth after inhaled corticosteroid use and seek treatment for suspected oral candidiasis.

Inhaled corticosteroids can cause oropharyngeal candidiasis, particularly if mouth-rinsing is poor. The patient should be counselled on rinsing and spitting after use and assessed for antifungal treatment if candidiasis is present. Stopping controller therapy without review could worsen respiratory control.

Reference: BNF; NICE CKS