Inhalers are commonly used medications that help manage respiratory conditions like asthma and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) by opening up the airways. While these devices are generally safe when used as directed, taking more than the prescribed amount can lead to serious health issues. Understanding the potential risks associated with an inhaler overdose is important for anyone who uses them.
How Inhaler Overdose Affects the Body
Common rescue inhalers, such as those containing albuterol (also known as salbutamol), are beta-2 adrenergic receptor agonists. These medications stimulate specific receptors in the smooth muscles of the airways, causing them to relax and widen. Albuterol primarily targets beta-2 receptors, but at higher doses, it can also affect beta-1 receptors found in the heart.
An overdose of these bronchodilators results in an overstimulation of the sympathetic nervous system. This system controls the body’s “fight or flight” response, and its overactivity can cause various bodily systems to go into overdrive. While inhaled albuterol results in low levels of the drug in the body at recommended doses, higher doses can lead to increased concentrations and systemic effects.
Recognizing the Signs of an Overdose
Signs of an inhaler overdose vary, but common symptoms include an increased heart rate (tachycardia) and heart palpitations due to the medication’s effect on the heart. Individuals may also experience tremors or uncontrollable shaking.
Other neurological symptoms include nervousness, anxiety, headache, and dizziness. Gastrointestinal upset, such as nausea and vomiting, may also occur. In some instances, individuals might experience chest pain, blurred vision, or changes in blood pressure, which could be either high or low. Symptoms can appear within 30 minutes and may persist for 8 to 16 hours, depending on the dosage and form of the medication.
Immediate Actions and When to Seek Emergency Care
If an inhaler overdose is suspected, call emergency services, such as 911 in the United States, or your local poison control center at 1-800-222-1222. Providing details about the individual’s weight, the medication taken, the approximate amount, and when it was taken can assist emergency responders.
Do not induce vomiting unless specifically instructed by medical professionals. Stay calm and monitor the individual’s symptoms while awaiting professional help. Seek immediate emergency attention for severe symptoms like severe chest pain, extreme difficulty breathing, loss of consciousness, seizures, or an irregular heartbeat.
Potential Complications of an Inhaler Overdose
A significant inhaler overdose can lead to serious health complications. One potential issue is severe hypokalemia, a condition where potassium levels in the blood become dangerously low. This occurs because the medication causes potassium to shift into cells.
Cardiac arrhythmias, or irregular heartbeats, are another concern, as overstimulation of the heart can disrupt its normal electrical activity. Myocardial ischemia, which is damage to the heart muscle due to insufficient blood flow, can also occur, especially with sustained rapid heart rates. In the most severe cases, an overdose can lead to cardiac arrest.