Patient was educated on contraindications for using steroid inhalers as follows:
- Hypokalemia
- Steroid inhalers should be avoided or used with extreme caution in individuals with history of arrhythmias and reduced serum potassium levels.
- Chronic use of steroid inhalers in such individuals can result in further drop in serum potassium levels that can precipitate life-threatening arrhythmias.
- A close watch for irregular heartbeat, palpitations, dizziness, tingling, and muscle cramps must be maintained in individuals using steroid inhalations and must be reported to the physician accordingly.
- Elevated blood sugars
- Steroid inhalers should be used cautiously in diabetic patients, as long-term use of these inhalers can result in increased insulin resistance and increased synthesis of glucose from sources other than carbohydrates.
- Increased insulin resistance and synthesis of extra glucose result in elevated blood sugars, contribute towards impaired blood sugar control, and can be detrimental in diabetic patients.
- Elevated blood sugars and poorly managed diabetes, while using steroid inhalers should be reported to the physician for further investigation, to facilitate a change in plan of care.
