Asthma Inhaler’s Unexpected Side Effect: Hand Tremors in Focus Says MD Doctor
Pune, 15th September 2023: In a stunning medical revelation, a case of hand tremors that had stumped multiple doctors has finally been solved. Mrs. Savitri, ( Name Change) a 93-year-old patient, had been suffering from debilitating hand tremors for a week, leaving her family and medical professionals baffled. However, a keen-eyed physician, Dr. Sudhir Kumar, has unraveled the mystery behind her condition.
The tremors, captured on a mobile phone video, were rhythmic, involuntary, and affected both of Mrs. Savitri’s hands symmetrically. Despite consultations with various specialists, including neurologists, no concrete diagnosis had been reached. Even an EEG and brain scan came back normal, ruling out epilepsy and other neurological disorders. Speculations about Parkinson’s disease had led to suggestions of anti-Parkinsonian drugs, and propranolol was considered to reduce the tremors.
But Dr. Sudhir Kumar’s quick thinking and astute observation skills led to a game-changing discovery. Upon a glance at Mrs. Savitri’s prescription, he identified the culprit behind her tremors: an inhaler for asthma containing formoterol and fluticasone.
The diagnosis was clear: Formoterol-Induced Tremors.
Formoterol, a beta-2 agonist commonly used in asthma and COPD treatment, has been found to induce tremors in a small percentage of patients, typically in the early stages of medication use. The severity of tremors is dose-dependent, with higher doses resulting in more frequent episodes. Fortunately, these tremors tend to reduce over time and are entirely reversible, posing no permanent disability risk.
The key takeaways from this groundbreaking case are:
Beta-2 agonists, whether administered orally or through inhalers to manage asthma and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), can lead to tremors in a minority of patients.
Comprehensive medication review is a valuable tool for uncovering diagnoses caused by adverse drug effects, underlining the importance of vigilant healthcare practices.
