What was heroin originally used to treat during the nineteenth century?

Heroin was originally synthesized in the late 19th century as a derivative of morphine, and it was marketed as a cough suppressant. This use was based on the understanding at the time that opiates could effectively relieve coughs, which are often associated with conditions like bronchitis and tuberculosis. The pharmaceutical industry promoted heroin as a non-addictive alternative to morphine for treating these symptoms.

The medical community initially engaged with heroin for various therapeutic applications, including its use in managing chronic coughs. However, the long-term implications of using opiates, including their addictive properties, were not fully understood during that period.

The other options represent conditions that were not the original focus of heroin’s marketing or use. While heroin does have effects that might influence anxiety or asthma, these were not the primary reasons for its initial introduction into medicine. Opioid addiction itself is a consequence of heroin use rather than a reason for its development.