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Lactic Acidosis in a Non-smoking Asthmatic Female: A Case of Salbutamol-Induced Elevated Lactate in the Context of Suspected Lower Respiratory Tract Infection

Year: 2025

Type: article

Abstract: Lactic acidosis is typically associated with hypoperfusion states such as sepsis or shock; however, non-hypoxic mechanisms like beta-2 agonist therapy can also lead to lactic acidosis. We report the case of a 56-year-old female with asthma exacerbation who developed type B lactic acidosis following high-dose salbutamol administration. Clinical improvement and rapid normalisation of lactate after reducing bronchodilator use support the diagnosis of salbutamol-induced lactic acidosis (SILA). This report emphasises the importance of distinguishing SILA from more serious causes of hyperlactatemia, such as sepsis or pulmonary embolism.

Source: Cureus

DOI: 10.7759/cureus.93796

Authors: Tarunjog Singh Kalra, Zoha Naeem, Hania Afsar, Ragunath Durairajan

Institution: Russells Hall Hospital

Language: English

Topic: Asthma and respiratory diseases

Subfield: Physiology

Field: Medicine

Domain: Health Sciences

SDG: Good health and well-being

Open Access status: diamond

OpenAlex ID: W4414823277