title: Opioids, respiratory function, and dyspnea.
abstract: Dyspnea, the sensation of difficult breathing, is a common debilitating symptom in advanced cancer and chronic progressive cardiopulmonary disease. Primary treatment is correction of the underlying etiology. In incurable illness wherein the cause is irreversible and the goal is palliation, opioids are the drugs of choice for symptomatic relief. This article reviews current knowledge in the pathophysiology of dyspnea, proposed opioid mechanism of action, and evidence of efficacy.
authors.affiliation: The Harry R. Horvitz Center for Palliative Medicine, Cleveland Clinic Taussig Cancer Center, Cleveland, Ohio, USA.
authors.forename: Susan B
authors.initials: SB
authors.lastname: LeGrand
authors.forename: Elias A
authors.initials: EA
authors.lastname: Khawam
authors.forename: Declan
authors.initials: D
authors.lastname: Walsh
authors.forename: Nilo I
authors.initials: NI
authors.lastname: Rivera
mesh_terms: D000701:Analgesics, Opioid / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000494:pharmacology / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D004417:Dyspnea / Q000209:etiology / Q000503:physiopathology / Q000628:therapy*; D006801:Humans; D009330:Nebulizers and Vaporizers; D009369:Neoplasms / Q000150:complications / Q000628:therapy*; D010166:Palliative Care / Q000379:methods*; D012119:Respiration / Q000187:drug effects; D012143:Respiratory Physiological Phenomena
chemical_list: D000701:Analgesics, Opioid