[Correspondence] Further research needed before removal of morphine from the therapeutic armoury for breathlessness

The Comment by Marlies van Dijk and Huib A M Kerstjens1 acknowledged the scientific rigour of our MABEL trial2 and highlighted the potential improvements in physical activity and cough from morphine treatment, despite no change in the primary outcome. Therefore, we found it difficult to discern the scientific rationale supporting their suggestion to say goodbye to this potential intervention for people living with distressing breathlessness—a population with physical activity restricted by breathlessness and often troubled by cough.