Atrial fibrillation in an asthmatic patient with albuterol-induced lactic acidosis

Asthma is a highly prevalent chronic respiratory disease affecting millions of people worldwide. Short-acting beta 2-agonists induce bronchodilation and usually are prescribed as a rescue medication. They are recognized as a cause of hyperlactatemia and, less frequently, lactic acidosis. Short-acting beta 2-agonists are also known for their potentially adverse cardiovascular effects, such as atrial fibrillation. Differential diagnosis and subsequent treatment of the latter entity are important due to the adverse prognosis related to it. In this case report, we describe the unusual association between albuterol-induced lactic acidosis and atrial fibrillation in a patient with an asthma exacerbation.