A recent clinical case report highlights a rare but important adverse reaction that primary care providers should be aware of: acute-onset Sweet syndrome following initiation of a new inhaled medication.
While inhalers are generally safe and well-tolerated in patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), this case serves as a reminder that even routine medication changes can occasionally trigger unexpected immune-mediated responses.
Let’s explore what happened, how the diagnosis was confirmed, and why early recognition matters — so clinicians and patients alike can stay alert to subtle but significant changes.
Because real patient safety isn’t just about treating disease. It’s about listening when the body sends an unexpected signal.
🔍 What Is Sweet Syndrome?
Sweet syndrome, also known as acute febrile neutrophilic dermatosis, is a rare skin condition characterized by:
- Sudden onset of painful, red or purplish skin plaques or nodules
- Often accompanied by fever and elevated inflammatory markers
- Histopathology shows dense infiltration of neutrophils in the dermis without vasculitis
Common Triggers Include:
📌 Importantly, drug-induced Sweet syndrome accounts for up to 12% of cases — though typically linked to systemic agents, not inhaled therapies.
📋 Case Overview: A Surprising Reaction to Inhaler Change
