Abstract

β-Adrenergic agonist medications such as albuterol are the mainstay for treatment of patients with acute asthma exacerbations. Patients who present to the emergency department with severe symptoms are often treated with multiple albuterol doses in sequence to maximize the impact of the medications, relax bronchoconstriction, and relieve their breathlessness. Patients who present with acute dyspnea have numerous potential causes of hyperlactatemia and acidosis including an uncommonly recognized outcome of albuterol administration. This clinical case report outlines a scenario where a patient who was treated for an acute asthma exacerbation had rising lactate levels despite improving clinically. Causes of elevated lactate levels are discussed, particularly related to β-adrenergic agonist use, and considerations for monitoring and withdrawal of albuterol administration are outlined.

Talk to us

Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have

Schedule a call

Disclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.