Q. I am a singer, so my voice is critical to both my livelihood and my sense of well-being. I was recently diagnosed with mild asthma and my doctor prescribed an inhaler called Flovent.
I am fairly certain that this medicine is affecting the quality of my voice. Is this my imagination or could this be a side effect? Are there any other complications I should know about?
A. Fluticasone (found in Flovent and Advair) is an inhaled steroid. Such cortisone-like drugs calm inflammation in the lungs with fewer systemic side effects than oral steroids. Nevertheless, hoarseness, throat irritation, sinusitis, oral yeast infections and voice problems are not uncommon.
One reader was livid that she was not informed of any fluticasone side effects. After years of regular use, she had developed cataracts, headaches and osteoporosis. Discuss your concerns with your doctor.
