O7.6 Alcohol and sedatives

Patients with COPD have impaired gas exchange and an exaggerated fall in Po₂ with recumbency and sleep onset.(Meecham Jones et al., 1995),(Chaouat et al., 1995) Excessive use of alcohol and sedatives exacerbates this and predisposes to sleep-disordered breathing.

Heavy cigarette smoking is associated with misuse of other substances in many individuals. Nicotine, caffeine and alcohol also predispose to gastro-oesophageal reflux.