Stridor due to drug-induced hypokalaemic alkalosis.
A 76-year-old on long-term Lasix and Pyrogastrone presented with stridor. This became worse with local irritation, e.g. on coughing or during indirect laryngoscopy. Indirect laryngoscopy showed a narrow glottis with an otherwise normal larynx. Blood investigation showed a low serum potassium with a raised bicarbonate level, and a serum calcium level just within the acceptable normal range. A diagnosis of laryngospasm secondary to drug-induced hypokalaemic alkalosis was made. This was treated with the withdrawal of the above drugs and supplementing potassium orally.
D000368:Aged; D000471:Alkalosis / Q000139:chemically induced / Q000150:complications*; D002229:Carbenoxolone / Q000009:adverse effects; D005665:Furosemide / Q000009:adverse effects; D006801:Humans; D007008:Hypokalemia / Q000139:chemically induced / Q000150:complications*; D007826:Laryngismus / Q000209:etiology* / Q000503:physiopathology; D008297:Male; D012135:Respiratory Sounds / Q000209:etiology*
D005665:Furosemide; D002229:Carbenoxolone