Advair  (Salmeterol/ Fluticasone) is used as a long-term  treatment to prevent or decrease wheezing and trouble breathing caused by asthma or ongoing lung disease (COPD, emphysema). Advair is decreasing swelling and relaxing muscles of the airways. This medication does not work immediately and should not be used for sudden attacks of breathing trouble. Your must use a quick-relief medicine/inhaler (e.g., salbutamol, albuterol) for sudden shortness of breath/asthma attacks while you are on this medication. Inhale one puff by mouth twice a day rinse your mouth with water after using this medication to help prevent dryness and mouth infections (e.g., thrush) and relieve throat irritation.