An estimated 25.7 million people have been diagnosed with asthma, a common lung disorder involving the inflammation and swelling of the airways. Of the 25.7 million people in the U.S. diagnosed with asthma, 7 million are children. Generally, people with asthma experience airway inflammation triggered by inhaled particles like allergens, viruses, secondhand smoke, chemicals, and molds. Those suffering from an asthma attack may experience coughing, wheezing, chest tightness, and shortness of breath.

What Causes Asthma?

Research has shown that asthma has a genetic component, but the exact cause of asthma has not been ascertained. 52% of those surveyed who have asthma have an immediate family member who also suffers from the condition. There have also been studies showing that infants and fetuses exposed to secondhand smoke and other allergens may be more likely to develop asthma, as the exposure is hypothesized to affect the development of the immune system.

Prescription Medications and Frequency of Asthma Symptoms

Prescription medications in the form of inhalers are the predominant way to treat asthma. It has been estimated that two-thirds of all survey respondents experienced symptoms at least once a week. But people living with asthma are generally more likely to experience symptoms more frequently, sometimes at least two days per week. With the discomfort that many people living with asthma feel throughout the week, especially seasonally when asthma may be triggered more often, inhalers are being used more and more, sometimes posing a danger to the user.

Overuse of Asthma Inhalers and Albuterol

According to a recent study, over-reliance on an asthma inhaler can have damaging effects. First and foremost, inhalers can have a steroid component within the medication, which can be dangerous if your body is overexposed to it. Second, the medication builds up within the system and can cause side effects such as nervousness, dizziness, headache, nausea, and irregular or rapid heartbeat. Thirdly, inhalers relax muscles within the airways to relieve or prevent asthma symptoms. Constant exposure to the inhaler could lead to your lungs becoming under-responsive to the medication, and your airways could become hypersensitive to common asthma triggers. Finally, overuse of an inhaler could lead to the user only treating the symptoms, and the underlying reason behind the triggering effect could make the person sicker.

Overuse of Albuterol Has Correlation With Depression and Lower Mental Functioning

Other studies have suggested that there is a correlation between overexposure to albuterol, the medication within the inhaler, and depression. The study found that of users of albuterol, 27% overused the drug, while 22% underused the drug. Of those who overused the albuterol, 45% used the inhaler daily. The overusers had more symptomatic days and generally scored worse on the asthma control survey, the asthma symptom utility index, and the shortness of breath test. Additionally, overusers of albuterol had lower cognitive functioning than non-overusers. The study did not indicate whether it was asthma and the use of the albuterol that led to depression or that depressive patients were more likely to perceive their asthma as being worse than others and, therefore, overused their albuterol.

The Hidden Risks of Inhaler Misuse

Inhalers provide relief for people living with asthma, but excessive or improper use can create significant health concerns. What happens if I use my inhaler too much? This is a common question among patients who rely on quick-relief inhalers, particularly those containing albuterol. Overuse can result in rapid heartbeat, increased anxiety, and even reduced effectiveness over time. When the body adapts to frequent inhaler use, the medication may become less responsive, leaving individuals vulnerable during severe asthma attacks.

Another overlooked issue is what happens if you use an inhaler without asthma. Since inhalers work by relaxing airway muscles, using them unnecessarily can trigger unexpected side effects such as dizziness, muscle tremors, and elevated blood pressure. In some cases, individuals misdiagnosed with asthma may unknowingly worsen their condition by continuously using a medication they do not need.

This raises a significant concern: Are inhalers harmful to you if misused? While inhalers are essential for managing asthma, their misuse can cause complications. Medical studies have linked the overuse of albuterol to increased risks of cardiac strain and chronic nervous system stimulation. In some cases, individuals who excessively use their inhalers report heightened anxiety and difficulty breathing, which can mimic worsening asthma symptoms.

For those wondering what happens if you use your inhaler too much, medical experts warn that repeated exposure to inhaled medications can dull their effectiveness. Patients experiencing frequent asthma attacks should consult a specialist to reassess their treatment plan and explore alternative long-term solutions. Proper inhaler use is key to avoiding unnecessary health risks and ensuring effective asthma management.

Charles County, MD Personal Injury Lawyers that Fight for You

Asthma and its symptoms can cause severe distress for those who suffer from it. When asthma symptoms result from another disorder, the overuse of an asthma inhaler may harm the patient, and the disorder may not be treated in time. If you or a loved one has suffered from the harmful effects of asthma misdiagnosis, it is essential to consult with an experienced Maryland personal injury attorney. Please call the Law Office of Robert R. Castro at (301) 804-2312 for a confidential consultation.

When Asthma Misdiagnosis Leads to Serious Medical Harm

Accurate diagnosis is critical when treating respiratory conditions. Patients misdiagnosed with asthma may receive unnecessary medications while their actual condition remains untreated. This not only delays proper care but also exposes them to harmful side effects from medications they may not need. Inhalers, especially those containing albuterol, can cause elevated heart rates, tremors, and long-term stress on the cardiovascular system when misused.

Patients who experience symptoms unrelated to asthma, such as shortness of breath caused by heart disease or vocal cord dysfunction, may be at higher risk when doctors fail to conduct adequate diagnostic tests. Standard procedures such as spirometry or peak flow measurements are often overlooked in rushed or incomplete evaluations. The result is a treatment plan that may offer no real benefit and, in some cases, can worsen the patient’s health over time.

Legal Accountability for Medical Negligence

When a provider fails to order necessary diagnostic tests or ignores signs that contradict an asthma diagnosis, it may amount to medical negligence. In Maryland, these cases can form the basis of a malpractice claim. Victims must demonstrate that the provider breached the standard of care and that this failure directly caused harm. Typical forms of evidence include medical records, prescription histories, and specialist consultation notes.

A claim may be stronger if there are clear signs that another diagnosis was missed, especially if the untreated condition led to emergency care or hospitalization. Legal teams often rely on expert testimony to establish what a competent physician should have done differently. These experts help clarify how proper testing and evaluation prevented the complications caused by misdiagnosis.

Health and Financial Consequences for Victims

The impact of misdiagnosis is not limited to physical symptoms. Patients may face costly medical bills for unnecessary treatments, missed workdays, and emotional distress tied to prolonged illness. Overuse of albuterol and similar inhalers can lead to new health problems, which may require even more intensive medical intervention. Sometimes, the patient’s overall condition deteriorates before the actual cause of symptoms is identified.

These consequences often continue long after the incorrect diagnosis is corrected. Ongoing care may be needed to manage damage caused by improper medication use or delayed treatment. In legal terms, this contributes to calculating damages, which may include financial losses and emotional harm.

The Importance of Prompt Legal Review

Time is a critical factor in medical malpractice cases. In Maryland, strict filing deadlines apply to personal injury and malpractice claims. Delaying legal consultation can reduce the chances of recovering compensation. Early legal review allows an attorney to collect relevant records, secure testimony from medical experts, and meet all procedural requirements.

If you or someone you love has suffered due to an asthma misdiagnosis or harmful overuse of inhalers, you may have a valid claim. Speaking with a personal injury attorney who understands these cases’ medical and legal aspects can help protect your rights and clarify your legal options.