Hi, I have COPD/Emphysema and have constant pain/discomfort in my chest. My consultant has always advised that i should only take paracetamol as ibuprofen(NSAID) and opioid painkillers are not great for my condition
Has anyone had any experience with what sort of painkillers work best.
Thanks
Hi, has the cause of your pain been disgnosed? I can take ibuprofen for back pain without any adverse effect but wouldn't advise anyone else to do the same. Maybe a consultation with your GP would be helpful and result in more appropriate advice.
I take both ibuprofen and codeine for pain relief when required and also have end stage emphysema and neither of them affect my breathing or give me problems but obviously i would warn against their long term use purely for chest pains?
Respiratory conditions and ibuprofen (and NSAIDS generally) aren’t always good friends, so doctors are often quite reluctant about the use of brufen and similar for those with long-standing lung problems. However, there are plenty of lung patients out there that can and do take ibuprofen with their doctor’s approval without any ill effects: as you’ve been advised against it but you’re finding that paracetamol isn’t helping, it sounds like you need to have that conversation with your consultant and get some advice. As per other comments, I would also want to know what the cause of the chest pains are, particularly if constant, and that might also indicate other routes to treat the problem beyond NSAIDs and/or other oral painkillers. Have you ever tried heat like a hot water bottle? If the issue is more muscular, say as a result of frequent coughing, then you may find heat and topical treatments are more beneficial. In any event, I’d definitely suggest seeking a medical opinion.
Great advice Charlie..GId have suggested the same as heat is v soothing and therapeutic, with healing benefits( frequently recommended by physio).
A lot of asthmatics cant take ibuprofen.
I hope u and Bod r managing ok xxxx
Have missed seeing your comments on here, hope you are both well x
Hi Fluke,
I cannot take NSAIDS anymore I can only take Paracetamol and only when absolutely necessary. NSAIDS wreck the kidneys. Your doctor is right in advising you on what kind of pain relief you be should have. They can lead to heart and stomach issues also. Is the pain due to constant coughing? 😞
Thank you Cas for mentioning that Nsaids wreck the Kidneys, a lot of painkillers if taken on regular basis in normal dose can do the same with long term use and as we get older Kidneys slow down a little so a reduced dose sometimes does the job just as well. Hope you are well as can be.
Hi Katie. I had to take NSAIDS for a long time due to RA pain. It was not good for me at all. I am doing well thank you. I hope you are too. *HUG* xx ❤️
I'm having some tests done at doctors this week to moniter my blood pressuire and check my Kidney function as I have been on painkillers for years on and off with BP problems the same. Most likely outcome will be a pill for BP. Have a nice day its wintery cold here in UK. xx
Katie, high blood pressure causes all sorts of issues with kidneys too. I hope everything will be okay for you. Hang in there. ❤️ It's very cold here too. Just buckling down until spring. xx
I have taken ibuprofen daily for 15 years with no problems whatsoever. Best Wishes to You, judg69
Some contradictory comments here. ( We're all different.) You really need to speak to your GP to decide what is best for you. Hope you find something that suits.
I have long-standing chronic pain from a road accident in 1977. As most nsaids cause me problems, I am prescribed the receptor specific Etodolac nsaid. I am also prescribed co-codamol to use when required, to stop me being ratty with the soreness. It's a bit of a trade off. Without these meds I wouldn't be able to do all the active things I do.
Pain is due to constant coughing and on a recent trip to A&E the doctor there said it was Costochondritis. I do use heat and Voltarol which does ease it. I cant take Co-codamol as it makes me fell dizzy and spaced out.
Hi there fluke13, In respect of painkillers it is best to test what suits you with the GP . I take paracetamol and a small dose of tramadol, but have tried others . I cannot take Ibuprofen or other anti inflammatories but they do work. Pain is individual and so is the treatment needed as is the treatment for lung disorders. Best wishes with your treatment to manage your illness.
I would agree with what others have said especially about seeking medical help. I also have chest pain unrelated to coughing or anything else I can think of, but find a hot water bottle the most help. I also have bronchiectasis as well as emphysema & am lucky enough to be having a CT scan next week but for suspected deep rooted infection not the pain which he says is not lung related. Once I have the results I am hoping to have meaningful discussion with GP/consultation. Will keep you updated if I get anywhere. Best advise I think is to talk to the medics. Good Luck.
New to COPD
Entresto and COPD.
COPD and fatigue
Copd and depression 
