Common Drugs Can Cause Lung Problems

Did you know that many medications have respiratory side effects that can affect anyone, but especially the person with COPD. That's right. The medication you take for your arthritis can cause problems in your breathing. Research has shown that several classes of medications, used to treat a wide variety of conditions, can affect breathing.

Researchers in France have discovered that over 300 commonly prescribed medications can cause respiratory problems ranging from shortness of breath to respiratory failure. Often these problems are reversible, but there are some that are not and cause permanent lung damage or even death. According to Dr. Philipe Camus, of the University Medical Centre of Dijon, France, many of these conditions would be preventable if physicians were aware of what what happening early in their patient's treatment and changed medications to ones which did not have these side effects.

Among the classes of medications which are included in the list are common pain medications such as acetaminophen, oral contraceptives, and even vitamin D. One problem that occurs is that many of these medications do not list respiratory problems in their literature to patients and physicians. The other problem, which is common in other areas as well, is that these drugs are marketed under various trade names, so if the individual does not know that their particular medication is actually one of these, they may not recognize that it is on the list.

It is the opinion of Dr.Camus that doctors and patients needed to be more aware of the risks to their respiratory systems from these drugs. "These accidents could largely be avoided, or at least reduced but only if certain conditions are satisfied. First, the practitioner who has been consulted must be aware of what has happened. Second, the patient has to consult as soon as he notices the slightest abnormal or lasting pulmonary symptom. Third, and last, the patient must immediately stop taking the suspect product," Camus stated.

Unfortunately, the list is growing each day as researchers continue to make new discoveries. If you are taking medication that seems to be affecting your breathing, contact your physician immediately and get his/her opinion on what procedures to follow. Your pharmacist may also be able to provide information on respiratory side effects as well as others that are common to the medication.

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