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Types of medications associated with respiratory problems

Posted: Wed Dec 18, 2024 8:23 am
by ticof48486@pokeline
Not all drugs that affect the respiratory system are illegal street drugs. In fact, studies have shown that more than 100 legal prescription drugs can negatively affect the lungs. 3 Two major classes of drugs that can negatively affect the respiratory system in a variety of different ways include chemotherapy drugs and immunotherapy drugs, both of which are used to treat cancer.

Chemotherapy and its effects on the respiratory system
Chemotherapy is a successful treatment for many types of cancer whatsapp kuwait and helps improve outcomes for most people. Unfortunately, because chemotherapy drugs must be strong enough to kill cancer cells, it also comes with many side effects of its own. One notable side effect is that the drugs used in chemotherapy, such as bleomycin, cyclophosphamide, and methotrexate, can cause respiratory problems.

One of the problems that can occur after chemotherapy is pulmonary fibrosis, which is the formation of scar tissue inside the air sacs of the lungs. This can inhibit normal breathing. Many chemotherapy drugs can also cause lung infections and inflammation, such as bronchitis and pneumonia. Unfortunately, this condition can become chronic as the immune system weakens due to the strength of the drugs.


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Pneumonitis, or inflammation of the air sac tissue, is a condition caused by chemotherapy drugs such as docetaxel. It can eventually lead to pulmonary fibrosis, which can have lifelong effects. Another form of pneumonitis is radiation pneumonitis, which is caused by radiation therapy, either as an alternative to or along with chemotherapy. This condition may develop up to six months after treatment.

Acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS) is another dangerous respiratory side effect of chemotherapy. It causes extensive damage to the air sacs, which can make it impossible for them to deliver oxygen to the body. People who take the drug bleomycin are more likely to develop this condition later in life.