Advair a combination of bronchodilator and steroid is a twice-daily maintenance treatment used for adults and children 12 years of age or older, suffering from asthma. Advair is prescribed to improve the functions of the lungs, as well as prevention of asthma attacks. However, it is important to understand that it is not a fast-acting inhaler; instead, it is a maintenance treatment, used to control your overall symptoms over time.

Advair is also prescribed to adults who suffer with chronic bronchitis and COPD (Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease). Typically, if a child has to rely on their fast-acting asthma medicines such as Albuterol, on a regular basis, your physician may prescribe Advair. There are 3 different forms of Advair 100/50, 250/50, and 500/50. The first number indicates the strength of steroids within the medication, the second indications the strength of the bronchodilator.

As you will find with any type of medication, Advair has a list of things you should be aware of. For example, if you have an infection or have been sick, your physician will likely wait until you are better before prescribing Advair. One drug within the combination, Salmeterol, has been proven to raise the risks of deaths that are asthma related. Therefore, it is necessary that you speak with your physician and understand the benefits versus the risks.

If you have any allergies to drugs or food, have liver disease, a thyroid disorder, TB, glaucoma, diabetes, epilepsy, or high blood pressure, you need to let your physician know, they will either not recommend Advair or carefully monitor your condition while you take the medication. If you are pregnant, you should not take Advair because research shows it could cause injury to an unborn child.

In children, Advair could have an effect on the growth rate of the child. Therefore, it is important to carefully monitor this and if there are any concerns, you speak with your physician.

People who smoke, have a history of bone loss, do not exercise, or do not get enough calcium or vitamin D in their diet, may be at an increased risk of osteoporosis due to long-term usage of a steroid.

While taking Advair, it is important that you keep unhealthy people at bay. Advair has been show to reduce the number of blood cells within the body, which also reduces your ability to fight off infections of the body. This means that you are, while taking Advair, at an increased risk of becoming sick and getting infections.

Many people use Advair twice daily to combat their asthma symptoms and live a healthier, easier breathing life. It is important that you speak with your physician about all the possible benefits and side effects before deciding if Advair is the asthma maintenance treatment for you.

Disclaimer: This article should not be substituted for medical advice. Please talk to a qualified professional for more information about Advair.