Painkillers

Hi all,

I used to be able to take painkillers that worked and although shouldn't really be used if you have asthma didn't seem to affect it, where as now they do!

Doe's anyone know if there is such a thing as painkillers that don't affect the asthma?

Cheers

Suzanne

[Hidden]

They used to say that all asthmatics shouldnt take NSAIDs anti inflammatorys but now say that some asthmatics can tollorate then with out setting off there asthma, and strong painkillers like morphine and to some extent high dose codiene can affect breathing so are used with caution. Paracetamol is fine and should never be underestimated as a very good analgesic.

Andrea xx

[Hidden]

Hi Suzanne,

Good old Paracetamol is usually a pretty safe bet for asthmatics.

For something slightly stronger NSAIDS like Ibrupfren are probably NOT a good choice- asthmatics are often sensitive to them. Co- codamol however is usually OK- it comes in 2 doses the lower one 8/500 is over the counter.

For really strong presciption stuff Tramadol is supposed to be OK however people either seem to love it or hate it! It has some horrible side effects,

hope this helps,

Cofion lu,

SX

[yaf_user681_25830]

I have chronic pain and I take co-dydramol forte (30mgs dihydrocodeine and 500mgs paracetomol), 8 tablets a day. These are quite strong painkillers, and I have never noticed any problems with my asthma as a result of taking them. I have also tried tramadol, again had no side effects with regard to my asthma, but I found it to be very ineffective in treating my pain.

Hope this info is useful to you,

Maz

xx

[Hidden]

generally I use co codamol but if necessary your gp can prescribe a stronger painkiller that is fine for you to take.

[Hidden]

*wiggles medical hat firmly into place*

The concerns about ""painkillers"" for asthmatics centres mainly around two things:

1) NSAIDs, standing for Non-Steroidal Anti-Inflammatory Drugs, also known as anti-inflammatories. This includes things like Ibuprofen and Diclofenac (Voltarol). The concern is that a small proportion of asthmatics can be sensitive to Aspirin and NSAIDs. This comprises roughly 10% of all asthmatics, and doesn't correlate to the severity of your asthma. If you have taken things like over-the-counter aspirin and ibuprofen, and haven't noticed any difference in your asthma as a result, then the likelihood is that you're not sensitive/allergic to them.

2) Opioid analgesics - this is a term used for painkillers that contain substances which have morphine-like properties - ranging from Morphine, Pethedine, Methadone down through oxycodone, tramadol and dihydrocodeine to codeine and co-codamol. In high doses (or if you a re exceptionally sensitive to them), opiod analgesics can suppress the respiratory drive - i.e. decrease your natural control of breathing and decrease your rate of breathing. This should only really be of a concern a) at high doses and b) if your asthma is particularly severe. In general, if you're reasonably well-controlled, then opiod analgesics in standard doses should be ok.

As always though, this is guidance - decisions about what medications are right for you can only be made by your own doctors, who are fully informed of your current and past medical history.

Hope this helps.....

CathBear

*removes medical hat and puts in drawer, as it's lunchtime*

[Hidden]

thats a late lunch cath bear at 2.24pm you have been busy! thought i was bad throwing a jacket potato down in 5 min while in car (not driving) then straight onto another visit. just finished my lunch off now. the NHS obvoiusly works us far to hard. right knackered now and chest complaining about hard work so time to wash up. LOL