Our respiratory system is responsible for bringing oxygen into our body and removing carbon dioxide. It includes our lungs, airways, and the muscles that help us breathe. 

Some drugs, like opioids and benzodiazepines, can slow down our breathing rate and some can prevent our lungs from getting rid of mucus and other matter that we’ve inhaled. This can make inflammation and infections more likely.

Slowed or stopped breathing can be fatal.

Naloxone can temporarily reverse and opioid overdose, and you can read about how to use it here. Drugs that are smoked or inhaled can cause damage to our airways, and can result in diseases like Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD) or lung cancer. 

Some useful checks are: 

  • Breathing rate. Count your breaths per minute while relaxed (one breath is one inhale and one exhale). A usual rate is 12 to 20 breaths per minute. 
  • Breathing sounds. Listen to your breathing and take note if it is wheezy, strained, or unusually loud. 
  • Discomfort or pain. Check for tightness or pain if you breathe deeply. 
  • Checking for changes. These may be things like getting winded (temporarily breathless often after some activity) more easily than usual. It might help to think about whether you can walk the same distance that you could a year ago without pain or shortness of breath. Coughing that won’t go away or struggling to catch your breath during everyday activities are also signs to note down and talk with a health professional like your doctor about. 
  • Use the BREATHE acronym from the Lung Foundation to spot signs of lung cancer. See a doctor if you have any of the below symptoms. 
    • Blood when you cough or spit 
    • Recurring respiratory infections 
    • Enduring cough that is new or different 
    • Ache or pain in shoulder, back, or chest 
    • Trouble breathing 
    • Hoarseness or wheezing 
    • Exhaustion, weakness, or loss of appetite 
  • If you have asthma, check that you’re symptoms are well managed.  
  • Shortness of breath, especially while resting or during light activity. You might notice this as rapid or shallow breaths, or even just finding it hard to breathe while walking. 
  • Coughs that won’t go away. 
  • Wheezing or noisy breathing. 
  • Chest pain or tightness – get medical help straight away. 
  • Blue lips or fingertips – get medical help straight away 
  • Coughing up blood – get medical help straight away. 

It can help to take note of these if these symptoms stick around or get worse, as that’s a sign to investigate further. 

Doctors are likely to talk with you about your symptoms and lifestyle. If you feel comfortable, sharing what drugs you have used with them can help them provide better care. 

They may: 

  • Use a tool to check oxygen levels in your blood. 
  • Check your airflow and lung capacity. 
  • Ask you to get a chest x-ray to look for infections, fluid build up, or damage. 
  • Ask you to get tests of your mucus to look for signs of infection or inflammation. 
  • Offer you a flu and covid vaccine. 
  • Explore inhalers with medication to control symptoms if needed.