A 55-year-old woman recently experienced a rare reaction after starting a new inhalation treatment for chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). Her case serves as an important reminder of how vital it is to stay alert to new symptoms whenever medication changes occur.
The woman, who had COPD and high blood pressure, had been using an inhaled medication for several years. When her breathing problems began to worsen, her doctor switched her to a new inhaler containing a combination of two active ingredients meant to improve her lung function.
Just two days after beginning the new treatment, she noticed painful red patches appearing on her cheeks and neck. The spots grew rapidly, and she also developed a mild fever. She had not changed her diet, skin products, or routines, and there was no sign of infection. Concerned about the sudden rash, her family doctor referred her to a dermatologist.
Specialists quickly recommended stopping the new medication and prescribed a short course of corticosteroids. Blood tests revealed an increase in white blood cells, suggesting inflammation, while other tests ruled out autoimmune or infectious causes. Within two days of stopping the inhaler, the red patches began to fade and her pain decreased.
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