About Asthma
Asthma is a long-term condition affecting the air passages of the lungs, causing the airways to become inflamed and narrow, making breathing more difficult. It affects people of all ages and often begins in childhood, though it can develop for the first time in adults.
Triggers vary widely and can include allergens (pollen, animal fur, dust mites), cold air, pollution, chemical irritants, smoke, viral infections, and emotional stress. Identifying your personal triggers is key to keeping symptoms under control.
The main symptoms are wheezing, a tight chest, coughing and breathlessness. While there is currently no cure, symptoms can be well managed with inhalers. The two main types are:
- Reliever inhalers - used when needed to quickly ease symptoms
- Preventer inhalers - typically used morning and night to reduce airway inflammation
Why Asthma and Inhalers Cause Dry Mouth
Inhalers deliver measured doses of medication into the airways. However, corticosteroid preventer inhalers have a significant topical effect on the mouth - only around 15% of the dose actually reaches the lungs. The remainder is deposited in and around the mouth, where it can disrupt the way saliva moves, interfere with taste, and reduce overall moisture.
This medication residue, combined with the physical act of inhaling (which draws air across oral tissues), means that dry mouth is one of the most commonly reported side effects of regular inhaler use - particularly for those on preventer inhalers taken twice daily.
Good inhaler hygiene helps: always rinse your mouth with water after using a preventer inhaler, keep the inhaler device clean and dry, and maintain a regular oral care routine - brushing twice daily and cleaning between teeth with floss or interdental brushes.
How XyliMelts can help
- Provides instant lubrication after inhaler use - simply apply a disc to relieve dryness straight away
- Works for hours without repeat application - unlike water or sprays, which offer only brief relief
- Neutralises the oral acids that corticosteroid residue can promote, helping to protect tooth enamel
- Actively reduces the risk of dental caries - particularly important for people using preventer inhalers long term
- Discreet enough for daytime use at school, work or on the go
- Can be used at night when preventer inhalers are taken before bed - XyliMelts continue working while you sleep, providing hours of moisture through the night
- 100% natural ingredients with no known contra-indications - safe to use alongside all asthma medications
Using XyliMelts at Night
Preventer inhalers are commonly taken last thing at night, which means dry mouth symptoms can be at their worst during sleep - precisely when there is no easy way to sip water or apply a gel.
XyliMelts are ideal in this situation. Apply a disc to each side of the gum after your evening inhaler dose. They will adhere safely and work through the night, keeping your mouth moist and your teeth protected until morning.