The use of high-dose salbutamol in ED led to a bizarre experience for one asthma patient, who developed ‘belly dancer syndrome’ — involuntary abdominal jerks — as a result, according to Malaysian doctors.

The man was prescribed a salbutamol metered-dose inhaler 1600µg rather than the usual nebuliser owing to COVID-19 pandemic protocols when he presented in ED, reported doctors from the Penang General Hospital and the University of Kebangsaan Medical Centre in Kuala Lumpur.

But soon after he developed sudden onset of frequent, intermittent, involuntary, painless jerky movements of the abdominal wall.

He also developed signs of sympathetic hyperactivity as evidenced by diaphoresis, an increased heart rate of 130bpm, blood pressure of 140/98mm Hg and a respiratory rate of 24 breaths per minute.