A 30-year-old woman with known asthma presents acutely wheezy. She recently started propranolol for migraine prophylaxis. Her peak flow has dropped fr...

Question

A 30-year-old woman with known asthma presents acutely wheezy. She recently started propranolol for migraine prophylaxis. Her peak flow has dropped from 450 to 250 L/min since starting propranolol. What has occurred?

Accepted Answer

Beta-blocker induced bronchospasm (propranolol is a non-selective beta-blocker - CONTRAINDICATED in asthma)

Answer

Anaphylaxis to propranolol

Answer

Vocal cord dysfunction from propranolol

Answer

Propranolol-induced cardiac failure

Answer

Asthma exacerbation unrelated to propranolol

Beta-Blocker Bronchospasm — SCE Acute Medicine MCQ

A 30-year-old woman with known asthma presents acutely wheezy. She recently started propranolol for migraine prophylaxis. Her peak flow has dropped from 450 to 250 L/min since starting propranolol. What has occurred?