The use of nebulized opioids for breathlessness: a chart review

Breathlessness secondary to both cancer and non-malignant disease is a distressing, exhausting symptom which, to date, has been difficult to control. This paper reports a chart review undertaken on patients referred to the Ottawa Civic Hospital's Palliative Care Service over the 18-month period from 1 January 1992 to 30 June 1993. The intent of the review was to assess the recorded efficacy and safety of nebulized opioid use on patients with complaints of dyspnoea. Fifty-four patients were treated and subjective data have been compiled. The treatment was found to be effective, safe and convenient for the majority of the patients studied. In addition, nebulized opioids have been demonstrated as a treatment modality which is feasible for self-administration by the patient at home.