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Inhaled corticosteroid counselling — GPhC CRA MCQ

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EasyRespiratory TherapeuticsInhaled corticosteroid counsellingGPhC CRA

A 32-year-old woman prescribed salbutamol inhaler and prednisolone for an asthma exacerbation asks whether she should continue her regular budesonide inhaler. She has used it inconsistently and has oral thrush in the past. What would you advise the patient?

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Correct answer: B — Continue the inhaled corticosteroid and rinse the mouth after use

Inhaled corticosteroids should generally be continued during an exacerbation unless a clinician advises otherwise. They reduce airway inflammation and future risk, while rinsing the mouth and using good technique reduce local candidiasis risk. Salbutamol remains the reliever for acute symptoms unless the patient is on a specific MART regimen. Swallowing inhaled doses reduces lung delivery and increases local adverse effects.

Reference: NICE CKS Asthma; BNF