Hypomagnesaemia induced hypocalcemia mimicking as acute exacerbation of COPD—Rare cause of a common presentation: A case report

• Main Authors: Shankar Roy, Mahendra Meena, Nisha B Dhoot, Ravi Kant
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Published: Wolters Kluwer Medknow Publications 2020-01-01
• Series: Journal of Family Medicine and Primary Care
• Subjects: bronchospasm; copd; hypocalcemia; hypomagnesemia
• Online Access: http://www.jfmpc.com/article.asp?issn=2249-4863;year=2020;volume=9;issue=5;spage=2541;epage=2543;aulast=Roy

Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) is a common respiratory condition characterized by limitation in airflow. Most of the exacerbations are due to respiratory infections, some are due to environmental pollution. Hypocalcaemia( of any etiology ) is one of the rare causes of acute exacerbation. Here we are reporting a case of severe hypocalcaemia induced bronchospasm, presenting as acute exacerbation in a diagnosed case of COPD. 61 years old female patient, home maker by occupation and from a rural background and low socio-economic status with past history of chronic exposure to household wood smoke has presented to us with acute exacerbation of COPD. Her reports showed significant hypocalcaemia, hypomagnesaemia and low parathyroid hormone Her symptoms were controlled adequately only after correcting the hypocalcemia in addition to the standard COPD management.