This question can be answered in a variety of ways. Of course, there are many substances—some considered street drugs and others considered legal medications—that can cause problems ranging from temporary shortness of breath to respiratory failure. Short-term breathing problems and long-term respiratory problems must also be considered separately.
Because there are so many nuances to this topic, it’s important to whatsapp kuwait explore several classes of medications, several types of drugs, and several types of respiratory problems.
How do medications cause shortness of breath?
Medications and prescription drugs can cause many breathing problems, but shortness of breath (dyspnea) is one of the most obvious. Characterized by a tightness in the chest, difficulty breathing in, wheezing, and rapid or shallow breathing, shortness of breath can be not only frightening but also distressing. Shortness of breath occurs when substances scar and severely damage the lungs, straining the cardiopulmonary system. This scarring is usually caused by substances that must be inhaled, but there can be other causes of shortness of breath (dyspnea). 1
These are some of the most common classifications of medications that may cause respiratory distress.
Opioids/Opioids
Opioids, along with drugs like morphine, codeine, and heroin, are derived naturally from the poppy plant. Opioids are synthetic drugs that are very similar in chemical structure, so they interact with the same chemical receptors as opioids and provide the same effects. Opioids, like oxycodone, are used primarily to treat severe chronic pain, especially for patients with terminal illnesses. Because they slow the function of the central nervous system, they can also cause slower breathing and reduced efficiency. 2
