I was advised a few years ago to avoid codeine in case it affected my breathing (by a decent GP and by a consultant). So I have. But other drs have looked at me like I'm insane (I probably am but that's unrelated!) and said there's no risk that they know of. Googling, a warning comes up so....?!
Anyway resp nurse suggested trying it while I'm in, then it's controlled. So I did. It didn't go well. 20 mins after taking it I had a big attack with silent chest. So we won't be going there again.
But just wondered if anyone else can't have it?
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twinkly29
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When my asthmas well controlled I ‘forget’ the need to breathe... the first time I took it, it was before bed, I woke about 30 mins later with a gut ‘I’ve forgotten something’ feeling... it took a few mins (until I got a bit dizzy) that I realised I wasn’t breathing automatically. Cue a long night cause I couldn’t go to sleep til it sorted itself out (I was 24 and didn’t think I needed hosp even tho I spent about 4 hours having to think about breathing). Saw my GP next day and got told to not have it again 😅. Few months later a consultant told me to have a mouthful of codeine based cough suppressant... I warned him, he told me I’d be fine... luckily that ‘situation’ didn’t last as long but defo escalated my asthma 🙈. Now I list it under allergies (even tho it technically isn’t)... every hosp pharmacist I’ve seen has agreed they defo need to know about the resp depression I get on it 😂 (sidenote I also got it when I tried oromorph so guessing it’s paracetamol only for me 😅)
I can’t take codeine but for a different reason - brought me out in a rash! Ironically it was while I was an inpatient from severe & Brittle asthma unit so at least they confirmed I shouldn’t take it again! Only meds that have hit my breathing so far are Zantac, flu vaccination and swine flu vaccination! Most meds I have allergies to appear to hit me with rashes!
Sounds eminently sensible to avoid that one going forward twinkly29! 😉🙌🏻👍🏻 x
Hi Tugun, admitted to hospital after both flu vaccination and also separately following swine flu vaccination - had significant breathing difficulties/ asthma flare up. Have been advised to not personally risk having them again. I do have many allergies so most likely allergy related. Thankfully so far I haven’t had flu in the past few years, but don’t know how long my luck will hold out. Reckon if I do I would probably end up in hospital 😔
That's a strong reaction. Regarding the flu. Google- New Zealand Swine flu vitamin C. An excellent 15 minute TV doco from New Zealand. It might make the difference if you get the flu.
I was on it briefly after a car accident 9 years ago, but that was long before I had asthma, so not sure how I'd handle it now. I did get severe, debilitating stomach cramps the second time I needed to be on it and have avoided it ever since. Seems like something asthmatics should be wary of taking seeing as it can affect breathing🤷🏼♀️
Codeine (and other opioid based meds) can have a depressive effect on the respiratory system so should be avoided by asthmatics. Not everyone will have the same level of response, indeed it can have quite severe effects on some people. Best to avoid if possible.
Idont have any issues taking codeine or ibuprofen, which also causes some asthmatics problems.
Hi I have asthma and don’t have any problems, however ignore the doctor in my opinion, my wife had toothache and took coseine bought over the counter and her breathing was erratic
Codeine and other opioid painkillers can cause breathing problems in anyone who takes it, I think they just tend to be a bit more aware of it with asthmatics because when you already have a breathing problem it can lead to worse issues than in a healthy person
But it’s like with ibuprofen etc, try it when you’re well or in a controlled environment (like hospital) and see how you cope - like I’m fine with codeine but can’t have ibuprofen
Hello i am on 30/500 codeine painkillers every day and i think it can affect your asthma.However i cant take anti inflames drugs it makes my asthma go through the roof.So i have no choice.
you should definitely try to do without painkillers if possible. I had a near death experience with Aspirin. Anaphylaxis followed by massive asthma attacks. Many years later after much research Pubmed etc. we found that proteolytic enzymes were just as effective for asthma & pain problems. O.K N.H.S. are unlikely to pay for them; but no side effects and my asthma is completely controlled. I also take good quality mins. & vits. as well as High Strength Probiotics.
thank you for the advice.I have been taking 30/500 plus pregabalin and antidepressants plus muscle relaxants for pain for years.for asthma i take fostair,ventolin and spiriva respimat.I cant take anti inflametry drugs. I am only going by the doctor advice.
Drs can only prescribe drugs approved by N.I.C.E. Talking to most G.P.s about alternatives the best you can hope for is "if its working carry on" . Talk to friends about Yoga/ Tai Chi/ Reflexology / Acupuncture /Breathing Exercises / Do your own research if you have access to computer. Learn how to beat pain without pharmaceutical painkillers & address your health problems with better nutrition.
I’ve not been able to take ibuprofen for years but thought I was ok with codeine. After a couple of weeks of taking it for a tooth infection, full dose daily, I found my usual asthma triggers were magnified big time, quite alarming. I would take an occasional dose of co-codamol again if in lots of pain, but never again the full daily dose.
Codeine does not agree with me, I feel dreadful after taking 2 pills for pain. Long term use of codeine and other opoids cause the shutting down of nerves that control peristalsis resulting in constipation. The other effect of opoids is to allow viruses and bacteria into cells and the nervous system.
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