Within just 48 hours of switching to a new inhaler, a 55-year-old woman developed painful, bright red patches across her face and neck, accompanied by a mild fever. What initially looked like a simple skin reaction after a routine COPD treatment change was later found to be a rare immune condition known as Sweet syndrome.
The 55-year-old patient had a history of COPD and hypertension, previously stable on long-term medication. Due to worsening lung function, her inhaler was changed to a combination of indacaterol and glycopyrronium, a commonly used therapy designed to improve airflow. The adjustment was considered routine and generally safe.
Shortly after the switch, she developed painful red plaques on her face and neck along with a mild fever. Doctors considered allergic reactions, lupus, and infections, but blood tests were largely normal. The new inhaler was stopped as a precaution while further evaluation continued.
“The results provided a definitive answer: Sweet syndrome.” This rare inflammatory disorder causes sudden painful skin lesions and fever due to an abnormal immune response. While it is sometimes linked to infections or medications, association with inhaled therapies is extremely uncommon, raising questions about possible systemic effects.
The patient was treated with corticosteroids, leading to rapid improvement within two days as symptoms resolved. The case highlights the importance of monitoring new medications closely, recognizing unusual reactions early, and considering rare diagnoses when symptoms do not follow typical patterns, especially after treatment changes.
