For those who have asthma, or a chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, the daily wheezing and struggle to breathe, can take just about everything out of life. There is the acute need of inhalers, and sometimes asthmatics as well as individuals suffering from chronic pulmonary ailments, have to take two controllers to get the better of their condition. Advair Diskus is an inhaler that comes with an automatic loaded device to help such adults and children to breathe freely.

Mankind often takes so much for granted, but there are times when the simple act of breathing itself can be threatened. It could be either some allergen that the body is responding to, or an underlying condition, but for those who face constant wheezing, the strife to simply breathe in freely can wear them out. Asthmatics and individuals who suffer from chronic obstructive pulmonary disease [COPD], adults and children alike, at times have to resort to two inhalers - a fast-acting one for emergencies, and another one that they take all the time.

Advair Diskus [containing Flutacisone and Salmeterol] belongs to the latter category. Fluticasone is a corticosteroid that prevents inflammation, while Salmeterol works by making the muscles in the airways and lungs relax, making breathing easy for the sufferers. This medicine is used as a form of maintenance treatment in asthma for adults and children, while it is recommended only for adults who have COPD. The dosage depends on who is being treated - an adult or a child. It has to be inhaled twice daily.

If you experience an asthmatic attack, use a fast-acting inhaler; Advair cannot treat an asthma attack once it has begun. Long-term usage of this medicine can help to build up resistance to asthma and reduce such symptoms, but this medicine is not meant for emergencies.

This comes in the form of a powder, accompanied by a special inhaler device that is fitted with specially measured packs of medicine, so that each time you open the device, a blister pack is loaded for inhalation.

The pulmonologist/pediatric pulmonologist should know before your treatment begins whether you have any known allergies, and whether you are allergic to Fluticasone or Salmeterol. Also let your treating doctor know if you have any heart problem, hypertension, epilepsy, seizure disorder, diabetes, glaucoma, tuberculosis, osteoporosis, any infection, a weak immune system, any thyroid disorder, or a liver malfunction.

There are various medicines that interact with the medicines in Advair Diskus, some of which are: anti-hypertensives, angina or other heart medications, NSAIDs, anti-diabetic medicines, anti-histamines for allergy, anti-anxiety drugs, diuretics, antipsychotic drugs, analgesics, antipyretics, other medicines to treat asthma/allergies, or bronchodilators for COPD. Give a complete list of all the medicines - OTC as well as prescription - nutritional supplements and herbal products you take, so that your doctor can rule out which ones you should not be taking with Advair Diskus. In fact, keep a list of all these medicines [including Advair] handy with you, and carry an identification card or wear a medical alert ID, so that medical personnel are alerted to the medicines you are taking and what you may require in case of an emergency.

This medicine may weaken your immune system, so avoid being near those who have any infection, but if you are exposed to chicken pox, or measles, contact your doctor at once, as these infections can be dangerous for those who are on steroids. If you are already taking another steroid medicine while taking Advair, consult your doctor on how to taper it off, but if you suddenly discontinue the steroid on your own, you may suffer from unpleasant withdrawal symptoms. There could be a risk of developing cataracts, glaucoma, or other eye problems, so you will require regular eye check-ups while taking this medication.

In case you feel the need to resort more than usual to your asthma medications, notify your doctor, for an increased need of such medicines could mean that your body is signaling to you that a serious asthmatic attack is heading your way.

In case you are allergic to Fluticasone, Salmeterol, or milk proteins, have severe COPD symptoms, or an attack of asthma then do not use Advair. In case this medicine doesn’t help you, let the doctor know. As Salmeterol is associated with increased risk of asthma-related deaths, it is imperative that you do not exceed the prescribed dose of this medicine.

The common, less serious side effects of Advair include: headaches, dizziness, nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, stuffy nose with a cough/sore throat/sinus pain, or hoarseness of voice with a dry mouth/nose/throat. An allergic reaction would include: itching, rash, swelling in the face/mouth/lips/tongue, labored breathing, or tightness in the chest. If any of these symptoms get worse, or you have any serious/unusual symptoms that include: bronchospasm, rapid/irregular heartbeat, tremors, piercing chest-pain, cough with yellow/green phlegm, numbness/tingling sensation in the hands/feet, white patches/sores in the mouth or on the lips, vaginal odor/discharge, severe muscular pain/spasms/weakness, or sign of an infection that may include fever/chills/sore throat/earache/increased phlegm/persistent headache contact your doctor at once, and if you think you have overdosed on this medicine, get emergency medical help.

If it is a child in your family who is taking this medicine and you feel he/she is not growing normally, consult the pediatrician, for this medication can affect growth in the little ones. Moreover, prolonged usage can also lead to osteoporosis, especially if you do not get enough vitamin D or calcium in your diet, if you smoke, don’t exercise, or have a family history of osteoporosis. So, while you take the prescribed dose, also take a proper diet, exercise daily, and avoid smoking so that your breathing becomes easier.

Pregnant or lactating women or those planning to have a baby, must consult the doctor before taking this medicine.

Your doctor will be able to tell you more about how to use Advair Diskus, its side effects, interactions and precautions.

Store the medicine at room temperature, protecting it from heat, light and moisture; and keep it away from children as well as pets.