HomeAnswersPulmonology (Asthma Doctors)copdIs it advisable to use a Morphine nebulizer in end-stage COPD?

I have breathlessness while lying down with end-stage COPD. Will Morphine nebulizer help?

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The following is an actual conversation between an iCliniq user and a doctor that has been reviewed and published as a Premium Q&A.

Medically reviewed by

Dr. Vinodhini J.

Published At January 13, 2021
Reviewed AtJuly 13, 2023

Patient's Query

Hello doctor,

I am a 68-year-old male. I have lung emphysema, end-stage chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) diagnosed as stage III. I had a heart operation (stent) the previous year, and heart failure signs for four months. My symptoms are breathlessness on lying down supine, particularly at night. When waking up at night, it is beginning to border on respiratory failure. I am currently on Morphine solution 2 % and Ventolin. Would it be advisable to use Morphine and then a nebulizer immediately? Would a bilevel positive airway pressure (BiPAP) machine useful?

Hi,

Welcome to icliniq.com. I can understand your concern. According to your statement, you have been suffering from breathlessness while lying down supine, particularly at night. Dyspnea resulting from complications due to end stage diseases like end stage COPD (chronic obstructive pulmonary disease) is often treated with an opioid-like morphine nebulizer. Dyspnea can cause discomfort and worry to patients. Inhalation with opioid-like Morphine can provide psychological support. Limited research has been done regarding using a nebulizer with Morphine in managing patients with COPD and other respiratory diseases, and the results are conflicting. Opioids also can cause respiratory depression. Its use in patients with COPD or any other respiratory problems may be fatal and life-threatening. Without consulting with a pulmonologist, such type of opioid medication should not be used. Bilevel positive airway pressure (BiPAP) machine is very useful and effective for COPD patients. It may provide two different air pressure types that help lessen the work it takes to breathe, which is important in people with COPD who expend a lot of energy breathing. I hope this helps.

Patient's Query

Thank you doctor,

The question was whether Morphine solution can be used immediately before using a nebulizer with Ventolin.

Hi,

Welcome back to icliniq.com. I have already mentioned that usually, Morphine solution can be used before using a nebulizer with Ventolin. Morphine can cause respiratory difficulties, and Ventolin can prevent bronchospasm and respiratory difficulties. So if Morphine is used before using a nebulizer with Ventolin, it may help prevent morphine-induced respiratory difficulties. But as I have mentioned earlier, limited studies have been done regarding using Morphine before nebulizer with Ventolin in patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) and other respiratory diseases, and the results are conflicting. So, whole things depend on your pulmonologist's advice and your health conditions. Using Morphine via nebulization before using bronchodilator medications with nebulizer can be used according to studies, but it may be fatal for some patients. I hope this helps.

Same symptoms don't mean you have the same problem. Consult a doctor now!

Dr. Muhammad Zubayer Alam
Dr. Muhammad Zubayer Alam

Pulmonology (Asthma Doctors)

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