Transient use of opioids is significantly associated with acute respiratory exacerbation of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), revealed a study published in the American Journal of Epidemiology. Opioids are a class of drugs that include illegal drug heroin, synthetic opioids such as fentanyl, and pain relievers available legally by prescription, such as oxycodone, hydrocodone, codeine, morphine, and many others. Previous studies have established an association of opioid use with mortality among chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) patients.
Opioids use have several side-effects such as reduced pain perception, drowsiness, mental confusion, euphoria, nausea, and constipation. At high doses, they can depress respiration too. This study was conducted by Yiran Rong of the department of pharmacy administration at the University of Mississippi in University and colleagues…
