Asking
Only logged in members can reply and interact with the post.
Join SimilarWorlds for FREE »

Would you push for a new med for hospice patient?

My dad has cancer and it's rapid. He also has pneumonia and hearing his wheezing and deep bronchial sounds when breathing is very sad. They're treating him with morphine and said it can help relax airways. But I read online it's often used with a nebulizer or steroid too. I said today that his wheezing is really chronic, and could we do a steroid for a day. They basically bypassed my request with just more morphine. It's not really helping and while I understand we are not going to actively treat it, I think something else should be given now that he's in a lot of distress.
It's just about labored breathing even though nurse said it's not really affecting him. I believe it is. Should I push again tomorrow for alternative med?
This page is a permanent link to the reply below and its nested replies. See all post replies »
TexChik · F
Narcotics cause respiratory depression. In his weakened state and difficulty breathing ... it can cause him to lose consciousness and stop him from being able to breathe and cause his heart to stop. Some docs believe its an act of mercy if suffering and eminent death are all he has left.