Introduction: Opium has been used traditionally for several diseases, including respiratory and heart diseases, in some societies. The aim of this study was to identify associations between opium consumption and respiratory clinical manifestations in chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) patients. Methods: The COPD patients were divided into opium non-user (n=21) and opium-user (n=79) groups. The demographic characteristics and pulmonary function test (PFT) values were obtained. Results: Weight and height in the opium users were significantly lower compared to the non-opium user patients (p < 0.05 and p < 0.01, respectively). Shortness of breath when walking up hill was remarkably higher in the non-opium compared to the opium-user group (p < 0.05). The PFT values as spirometry parameters also did not show statistically significant differences in the two groups. Opium use increased respiratory symptoms, including chest heaviness, sputum, and wheeze, while reducing PFT values, but these changes were not significant. Discussion: The results of the current study showed that the prevalence of hookah/water pipe smoking was remarkably higher, while weight and height were significantly lower in the opium user group. The PFT values were lower, but not statistically significant, in the opium users compared to non-opium user patients. Multiple linear regression showed that FEV1, FVC, and SpO2 were associated with a healthy range of BMI. Conclusion: Opium consumption was a potent risk factor in COPD patients due to increased respiratory symptoms and decreased PFT values.
Nosrati et al. (Fri,) studied this question.