- Is crack lung reversible. ' Unfortunately, the recovery process is challenging, and complete restoration may not always be possible. On imaging, it is characterised by interstitial and alveolar lung opacities with a diffuse distribution and commonly involving the perihilar regions. To evaluate further the relat … Additionally, crack smoking is associated with acute respiratory symptoms of cough with black sputum, wheeze, hemoptysis, chest pain, and shortness of breath. Pulmonary complications of cocaine among users are common. Popcorn lung, or bronchiolitis obliterans, is a disease that affects the bronchioles, the small airways in the lungs. Published online December 17, 2012. Diagnosis typically involves a combination of physical examination, imaging tests, and lung May 1, 2024 · Crack is the most potent form of cocaine. We present the case of a 56-year-old man with a history of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) and crack-cocaine use who presented to the emergency department due to left-sided lateral chest pain, as well as a two-week history of cough 3 days ago · These 8 crack cocaine side effects emphasize why you should get treatment. See full list on wikem. Aug 10, 2025 · “crack lung” Crack lung is roughly defined as acute pulmonary symptoms with radiologic evidence of alveolitis occurring within ~2 days of smoking cocaine. Jul 1, 2007 · Habitual smoking of alkaloidal cocaine (“freebase,” “crack”) has replaced nasal insufflation as the most common method of abuse. He endorses smoking crack cocaine the night before his symptoms started but denies injecting, using other drug use, or vaping. Vital signs include blood pressure 152/86 mmHg, heart rate Additionally, Susskind et al 16 showed increased lung permeability following long-term use of crack cocaine in seven subjects with the use of labeled technetium-99m-diethylenetriamine pentaacetic acid. Other symptoms may include fever, wheezing, and general malaise. Aug 1, 2024 · Bronchiolitis obliterans (popcorn lungs) is a lung disease caused by diacetyl and 2,3-pentanedione. Mar 14, 2015 · Chest X-ray showed some interstitial opacities. The prognosis is much better for people who get a diagnosis and seek treatment early on. 2. Albert Rizzo, Chief Medical Officer and Spokesperson for the American Lung Association and asked him what you need to know about pulmonary fibrosis. Crack lung induces a variety of pulmonary complications, both acute and chronic, including pulmonary edema, alveolar hemorrhage, eosinophilic pneumonia, pneumothorax, and pulmonary thromboembolism. What Is Crack Lung? Crack lung, a crack cocaine-induced lung injury, occurs when you spend over 48 hours smoking crack cocaine. Explore its symptoms, causes, and treatment options while understanding the serious health risks of crack abuse. Background Due to hemorrhagic alveolitis from inhalational cocaine use [1] Clinical Features Most common symptoms are cough and shortness of breath Others include: acute lung injury hypoxia chest pain hemoptysis fever focal infiltrates bronchospasm Differential Diagnosis Evaluation CXR May have eosinophilia, which suggests an immune mediated component [2] Management Supportive care, maintain Crack Lung Symptoms Prolonged crack abuse and addiction may also result in severe lung problems. May 27, 2025 · crack lung septal perforation hard palate perforation (presence may help to differentiate from granulomatosis with polyangiitis 7,8) dilated cardiomyopathy acute reversible pulmonary hypertension opioids neurologic "chasing the dragon" leukoencephalopathy pediatric opioid use‐associated neurotoxicity with cerebellar edema (POUNCE) syndrome Crack baby is a term for a child born to a mother who used crack cocaine during her pregnancy. The illness typically causes fever, coughing, phlegm, intense pain, and bleeding from the lungs. The pathophysiology isn't clear (with possible mechanisms including diffuse alveolar hemorrhage, eosinophilic pneumonia, or possibly even transient left ventricular dysfunction). Haim, Michael L. Crack lung: A case of acute pulmonary cocaine toxicity. Nov 4, 2023 · WebMD explains popcorn lung, a condition that can be caused by chemicals that flavor microwave popcorn and some e-cigarettes. Sep 19, 2023 · How long does crack lung last, and what is the prognosis? The duration of crack lung and the disease prognosis can vary depending on the severity of lung damage and how early it is reported. Cocaine has been shown to injure the pulmonary vasculature. Acute pulmonary toxicity from crack cocaine (Crack lung) Body packing Multiple packets of cocaine inserted in latex bags, ingested to cross borders Each packet potentially toxic dose of cocaine (death likely if bag bursts) Consider whole bowel irrigation, via NGT at 2L per hour Endoscopy contraindicated (high % leakage/rupture of packets) Jul 30, 2025 · Crack cocaine is an illegal substance that can be extremely addictive, even on first use. But despite its availability, using the drug—commonly referred to as “whippets” (or “whippits”), “laughing gas,” or “hippie crack”—can have sobering consequences, including permanent, full, or partial paralysis Feb 28, 2025 · Crack Cocaine Q: What are the immediate effects of inhaling crack on the lungs? A: Inhaling crack delivers a sudden, intense high, but it literally burns the lung tissue in the process. Dec 19, 2022 · Pulmonary Fibrosis is a serious lung disease, but what exactly is it? We sat down with Dr. Crack lung states an acute syndrome of diffuse alveolar damage and hemorrhagic alveolitis that appears within 48 hours of smoking crack and it is a rare type of cocaine-related respiratory illness with distinct radio-graphic features. The disease is typically self-limited although there are case reports of fulminant interstitial pneumonitis and ARDS INTRODUCTION: Crack lung is an acute pulmonary syndrome with a spectrum of clinical and histopathologic findings occurring within 48 hours of smoking crack cocaine. The clinical presentation can mimic pneumonia, pulmonary embolism, and computed tomography (CT) findings can vary depending on lung involvement. Crack Lung: An Acute Pulmonary Syndrome with a REFERENCE #2: Spectrum of Clinical and Histopathologic Findings. Abstract Lung herniation is an uncommon clinical entity characterized by protrusion of pulmonary tissue through an area of weakness in the chest wall. Methamphetamine is a substance of abuse that is most commonly smoked. Smoking crack, a potent and highly addictive crystalline form of cocaine, usually involves deep inspiration followed by the valsalva manoeuvre and coughing. For those seeking guidance on improving lung health, we offer advice and resources to aid in the journey toward recovery. Is popcorn lung reversible? There is no cure for popcorn lung, but treatment can help manage symptoms and slow the disease’s progression. Atelectasis happens when lung sacs (alveoli) can’t inflate properly. However, healing time and lung repair depend on many factors. His chest radiograph showed … Cocaine-induced pulmonary disorders reported in the literature include acute pulmonary edema, alveolar hemorrhage, pneumothorax, organizing and eosinophilic pneumonia, pulmonary infarction, and “crack lung” [4]. Walkenstein Chest 1995;107;233-240 DOI 10. Exposure to other chemicals, some lung infections, autoimmune diseases and complications from lung Jan 10, 2022 · Crack is a highly addictive form of concentrated cocaine that has been mixed with other chemicals. Smoking of cocaine exposes the lung directly to the volatilized drug as well as to the other combustion products of the smoked mixture, thereby increasing the risk of adverse pulmonary effects. Key Facts: Bronchiolitis obliterans is a rare chronic lung disease that worsens over time. She was treated with anticoagulation and supportive measures including oxygen. In addition, smoking crack can cause a condition known as crack lung Cocaine remains among the most common cause of acute drug-related emergency department visits. Intravenous stimulant use is associated with pulmonary foreign body granulomas, pulmonary artery muscular hypertrophy, and fibrous intimal proliferation and has been linked to idiopathic pulmonary hypertension [27, 52, 53]. 1990; 142:462-467 Crossref PubMed Jul 16, 2025 · A comprehensive guide on Atelectasis, covering causes, symptoms, diagnosis, and treatment options for this lung condition. Diffuse infiltrates are often seen on chest x-ray. Learn about short- and long-term damage. org Jan 1, 2018 · Crack lung usually occurs 1 to 48 hours after heavy cocaine smoking, and is a form of hypersensitivity reaction. Crack cocaine has been linked to a range of pulmonary symptoms when inhaled. Lippmann, Steven K. Crack lung symptoms like shortness of breath, chest pain, and coughing can escalate to disease, pulmonary failure, and death if left ignored and untreated. Cocaine use can lead to various pulmonary complications, including acute and chronic conditions affecting the respiratory system. . A 30 year old man presented 8 hours after smoking crack with severe chest pain and coughing. The mutations that lead to lung cancer had been considered to be Jan 8, 2024 · Nitrous oxide is readily accessible to those who want to use it recreationally for the high it can provide. These symptoms can appear suddenly after smoking crack cocaine. May 30, 2024 · Lung scarring, which healthcare providers call “pulmonary fibrosis,” causes the tissue to thicken and lose elasticity. Sep 2, 2014 · Crack lung is a pulmonary syndrome of dyspnea, hypoxia, and fever associated with inhalational use of crack cocaine within 48 hours. Jul 6, 2016 · When inhaled, diacetyl causes bronchiolitis obliterans - also known as "popcorn lung" - a scarring of the tiny air sacs in the lungs resulting in the thickening and narrowing of the airways. The effects of crack cocaine can be severe and even deadly. RESPIRATORY SYSTEM Smoking crack cocaine can be especially damaging, particularly when it triggers respiratory issues like eosinophilic pneumonitis, known informally as crack lung. Two patients had prolonged inflammatory pulmonary injury associated with fever, hypoxemia, hemoptysis, respiratory failure, and diffuse alveolar infiltrates. Feb 27, 2025 · Yes, your lungs begin to heal after quitting vaping. doi:10. Sep 4, 2024 · Background The term 'Crack lung' refers to an acute syndrome of diffuse alveolar damage and hemorrhagic alveolitis that occurs within 48 hours of smoking freebase cocaine. Faster 99Tcm-DTPA clearance was the only impairment found in seven of the eight crack users, the eighth having restrictive lung disease. Dec 23, 2024 · Not all lung damage from smoking is reversible but quitting can help you repair some of the damage. Does 'Crack Jan 1, 2018 · Crack lung usually occurs 1 to 48 hours after heavy cocaine smoking, and is a form of hypersensitivity reaction. Cocaine, the second most used illicit drug, is associated with cardiovascular, pulmonary, and other complications. A 24-year-old man with a recent history of crack use. It can occur due to certain health conditions or exposure to hazards. Lung involvement associated with cocaine use, also known as "crack lung syndrome" (CLS), can elicit new-onset and exacerbate chronic INTRODUCTION: Fever, hypoxia and diffuse pulmonary infiltrates are almost always considered an infectious process. Stay informed and seek help! Crack can be highly addictive and can cause extreme short- and long-term effects from prolonged use, including a variety of serious pulmonary concerns. The most common cause of atelectasis is surgery that requires anesthesia. It leads to acute pulmonary syndrome, where patients typically experience pneumonia-like symptoms. This disease was first discovered in workers at a microwave popcorn plant who had inhaled the flavoring chemical diacetyl. Patients may present with dyspnoea, cough, haemoptysis, fever, tachypnoea, chest pain, wheeze and widespread itching unknown whether it is fully reversible clinical course can take two forms acute and self-limiting resolving within Crack lung, also known as crack cocaine-induced pulmonary injury or acute pulmonary hemorrhage-precipitated crack cocaine use (APH-PCU), is a severe and potentially life-threatening condition that occurs as a result of smoking crack cocaine. Herein, we describe a case of “crack lung,” an acute pulmonary complication occurring after cocaine smoking. It is characterised by diffuse alveolar damage and haemorrhagic alveolitis, which typically present within 48 hours after using crack. Recent evidence suggests that crack smoking can cause acute respiratory symptoms, abnormalities in lung function and, in some instances, severe, life-threatening acute lung injury. Feb 1, 2019 · MeSH terms Cocaine-Related Disorders / diagnostic imaging* Cocaine-Related Disorders / physiopathology* Crack Cocaine / adverse effects* Humans Lung / diagnostic imaging* Lung / physiopathology* Male Middle Aged Syndrome Tomography, X-Ray Computed The Pulmonary Complications of Crack Cocaine Dani Y. He is coughing up sputum streaked with blood. The thought used to be that lungs couldn't regenerate, but that has since been disproven unless there is permanent damage where cells have been killed. In severe cases, patients may experience respiratory distress, which is a medical emergency. 4,5 However, less is known about chronic respiratory problems related to crack smoking. Apr 16, 2025 · Can vaping cause permanent lung damage? Yes- popcorn lung is a rare but severe disease linked to flavored vape inhalation. On imaging, it is characterized by interstitial and alveolar lung opacities with a diffuse distribution and commonly involving the perihilar regions. Ischaemia of pneumocytes Diffuse bilateral pulmonary involvement due to peribronchovascular and subpleural opacities, predominantly central/perihilar, thickening of interlobular septa, and opacities in ground glass at the apexes configuring mosaic paving patterns. Discover the risks your body faces due to cocaine side effects. Sep 30, 2025 · A new study suggests lung scarring from severe asthma may be reversible by targeting chitinase-like proteins. Chest imaging usually reveals diffuse interstitial and alveolar parenchymal opacities, occasionally with small pleural effusions (2, 4). Aug 11, 2023 · Chronicles of ‘Popcorn Lung’ An odyssey into the annals of medical history reveals significant markers in the Bronchiolitis obliterans narrative. The disease can be treated but not cured. [5] Studies show that prenatal cocaine exposure (independent of other effects such as, for example, alcohol, tobacco, or physical environment) has no appreciable effect on childhood growth and development Unlike cigarette smoking, the damage that crack does to the lung is not reversible. 1164/ajrccm/ 142. Aug 17, 2023 · Crack lung is a term used to describe an acute pulmonary injury related to smoked crack cocaine. Urine toxicology was positive for methamphetamine. That is how bronchiolitis obliterans became known as ‘popcorn lung’. I'm a patient just as you are. Jan 29, 2020 · Your lungs have an almost "magical" ability to repair some of the damage caused by smoking - but only if you stop, say scientists. INTRODUCTION: Crack lung is a clinical syndrome of pulmonary toxicity caused by smoking crack, which is a highly potent, addictive, crystalline form of cocaine, within 48 hours of presentation. Respiratory bronchiolitis–associated interstitial lung disease (RBILD) is a syndrome of small airway inflammation and interstitial lung disease occurring in people who smoke. Aug 1, 1997 · It is also possible that crack cocaine causes subtle acute, rapidly reversible changes in pulmonary epithelial permeability in some cocaine smokers, so that differences in the time interval from the last crack usage to the imaging study between the two groups of crack-smoking subjects might have contributed to the observed differences in lung Jul 10, 2022 · Crack cocaine (also called freebase cocaine) is a highly addictive illicit drug that causes a rush of energy and euphoria (intense happiness). Sep 28, 2025 · Learn about crack lung, a dangerous condition caused by smoking crack cocaine. severe depression – due to the dopamine flood crack causes, the lack of the drug causes the opposite reaction. 1. Crack lung is a pulmonary condition that can occur in those who use large amounts of the narcotic crack cocaine. Repeated inhalations of this drug causes a number of pulmonary conditions, including respiratory problems, which are collectively called crack lung. CT scan of the chest was performed, which revealed diffuse ground glass opacity consistent with cocaine-induced lung injury—crack lung (Figure 1A) as well as cocaine-induced insitu thrombosis (Figure 1B). Continuing this pattern of use and abuse may cause permanent damage to the The diagnosis of crack lung is based on history, clinical presentation, laboratory, and radiographic findings. Jun 30, 2017 · Not all changes are reversible The body is very good at repairing some of the damage to lung cells and tissues caused by smoking, but not all of the damage is reversible. Background The term 'Crack lung' refers to an acute syndrome of difuse alveolar damage and hemorrhagic alveolitis that occurs within 48 hours of smoking freebase cocaine. From Popcorn Factories to Lungs Ironically, this grievous disease owes its discovery to microwave popcorn. 233 The online version of this article, along with updated information and services can be found online on the World Wide Web at: Feb 19, 2025 · cocaine cocaine-induced leukoencephalopathy (rare) 5 levamisole-induced leukoencephalopathy crack lung septal perforation hard palate perforation (presence may help to differentiate from granulomatosis with polyangiitis 7,8) dilated cardiomyopathy acute reversible pulmonary hypertension cocaine-induced leukoencephalopathy (rare) 5 Apr 12, 2024 · A recent U-M study uncovers a pathway utilized during normal wound healing that has the potential to reverse idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis. Users can experience severe chest pain, intense coughing fits, wheezing, and even lung collapse. Unlike most other forms of alveolar hemorrhage, crack lung does not require extensive or invasive work up and is managed symptomatically. Treatment is smoking cessation. Crack lung: an acute pulmonary syndrome with a spectrum of clinical and histopathologic findings Am Rev Respir Dis. Letters to the Editor “Crack Lung” A Pulmonary Complication of Crack Cocaine Case Bulbena-Cabre, Andrea MD, MSc; Dunn, Norma Ramos MD; Swift, Ronnie Gorman MD Author Information Department of Psychiatry, Metropolitan Hospital Center, New York Medical College, New York, Department of Psychiatry, Autonomous University of Barcelona, Barcelona However, Shah et al published a case report about a young female patient who had no prior medical history but cocaine use and was diagnosed with cocaine-induced diffuse alveolar hemorrhage and in situ lung thrombosis [18]. Within a few months of quitting, your lung function will improve, allowing your lungs to clean Apr 5, 2023 · Crack lung is a crack cocaine-induced lung injury, or an acute pulmonary syndrome, that occurs approximately 48 hours after chronically smoking crack. 1378/chest. Learn the symptoms & causes. These symptoms include difficulty breathing, a persistent dry cough, and various other indicators. Faster Tc-DTPA clearance was the only impairment found in seven of the eight crack users, the eighth having restrictive lung disease. This condition primarily affects the respiratory system, causing acute respiratory distress, and may lead to fatal consequences if not treated promptly. A syndrome known as ‘crack lung’ has also been described, which includes a constellation of signs and symptoms including chest pain, fever, dyspnea, hemoptysis, melanoptysis, hypoxemia and respiratory failure. Crack cocaine use poses a number of serious health risks, including paranoia, seizures, addiction, and overdose. When a person smokes crack, their lungs may become irritated and inflamed. 462 Dolapsakis C, Katsandri A. Some evidence suggests higher rates of respiratory diagnoses among people who use crack. With just a few clicks, it can easily be bought online. Jan 22, 2025 · Crack lung is a condition characterized by the accumulation of a proteinaceous substance in the air sacs of the lungs, leading to severe breathing difficulties. Patients may present with dyspnoea, cough, haemoptysis, fever, tachypnoea, chest pain, wheeze and widespread itching unknown whether it is fully reversible clinical course can take two forms acute and self-limiting resolving within 24 hours progressive, with a high percentage of Jan 1, 2018 · Crack lung usually occurs 1 to 48 hours after heavy cocaine smoking, and is a form of hypersensitivity reaction. On imaging, it is characterized by interstitial and alveolar lung opacities with a diffuse distribution and commonly involving the perihilar regions Nov 22, 2020 · @nla4625 - This is a great question, Can you reverse lung damage? Please keep in mind that I am not a biologist or science person at all. It a serious lung disease. The repeated use of crack cocaine will constrict blood vessels in the lungs, destroying the alveolar walls and impairing the delivery of oxygen to your bloodstream. The patient was treated with oxygen supplement with significantly improve in symptom and can be discharged within 3 days. It is often associated with immunosuppression and may result from various factors such as lung transplantation, chemotherapy, or infections. The diagnosis of cocaine-related lung damage is based on clinical symptoms and radiological findings. The fissures of the areas of involved lung are focally thickened. Crack lung states an acute syndrome of diffuse alveolar damage and hemorrhagic alveolitis that appears within 48 hours of smoking crack and it is a rare type of cocaine-related respiratory illness with distinct radiographic features. Lung tissue specimens from Nov 27, 2023 · Can You Reverse the Effects of Smoking Cocaine? Addressing the Possibility of Recovery A common question revolves around the reversibility of 'crack lung. As such, it is important to differentiate the two clinical entities as the management approach differs. After my first and second lung lobectomies, my other lobes seemed to fill Nov 15, 2024 · The term "crack lung" describes an acute pulmonary syndrome that develops after inhaling freebase cocaine (crack). Direct cellular toxicity, eosinophilia, barotrauma, and vasoactive effects of cocaine are Introduction Loss of functional lung tissue is a characteristic of a range of acute and chronic lung diseases. 107. Patients may present with dyspnoea, cough, haemoptysis, fever, tachypnoea, chest pain, wheeze and widespread itching unknown whether it is fully reversible clinical course can take two forms acute and self-limiting resolving within 24 hours progressive, with a high percentage of INTRODUCTION: Acute pulmonary toxicity related to inhaled cocaine use, or “crack lung” refers to a spectrum of disease where shortly after consuming crack-cocaine, patients can develop fever, hypoxemia, hemoptysis, respiratory failure, and diffuse alveolar infiltrates [1]. Such changes suggest pulmonary interstitial edema, and in this clinical context, "crack lung". Contrast CT chest showed diffuse interstitial thickening and ground-glass opacities throughout the right lung but normal left lung parenchyma with narrowing of the distal left mainstem bronchus by an endobronchial mass. In the United States, most people who use the drug smoke it in a pipe. Abstract In this report, we review the hospital course of four patients who presented with an acute pulmonary syndrome after inhaling freebase cocaine and compare them with previously described case reports. Workers who inhaled the flavouring chemical, diacetyl, presented with unique respiratory symptoms, leading to the condition’s informal Smoking of alkaloidal cocaine ("crack") has become increasingly prevalent in our society. Discover the signs, symptoms, and treatment options for crack lung, a dangerous condition caused by crack cocaine. Am Rev Respir Dis. Symptoms include cough and breathlessness during exertion. Sagittal CT through the left lung field shows ground glass changes in the upper mid and superior segment of the lower lobe. Crack has a relatively short high but can lead to long-term health risks that can affect the mind and body with conditions like crack lung, psychosis, and heart disease. HRCT scan showing consolidations associated with ground-glass opacities. Teens are at growing risk. Both regular and non-regular use can cause toxic injury to the lung parenchyma, the signs and symptoms of which are non-specific. The threat that cocaine use during pregnancy poses to the fetus is now considered exaggerated. Therefore, even if a patient undergoes surgical lung biopsy or complete autopsy, it is still often unclear whether the patient truly has drug-induced "Crack lung". Progressive inhalational pneumonitis from smoking or cocaine inhalation was suspected. We present a case of crack lung in a young male with Aug 17, 2023 · Crack lung is a term used to describe an acute pulmonary injury related to smoked crack cocaine. Jul 15, 2024 · When diagnosing acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS), it is important to consider the so-called ‘crack lung syndrome,’ a condition caused by the use of cocaine-derived substances. Initial CXR showed bilateral extensive nodular interstitial lung pattern. Goldberg and Michael D. Crack-related lung injury, reflected by abnormally rapid Tc-DTPA lung clearance, may be at least partially reversible after a 3 month period of abstinence from crack. Manifestations include lung congestion, intra-alveolar edema, and diffuse alveolar hemorrhage (DAH). It directly affects lungs if inhaled and the damage may include barotrauma, acute pulmonary edema, alveolar hemorrhage, bronchiolitis obliterans with organizing pneumonia, or vasculitis. 1 Patients may present with clinical features of pneumonia. Patients with Crack Lung typically present with symptoms such as coughing, shortness of breath, chest pain, and sometimes hemoptysis (coughing up blood). However in an acute presentation, with no identifiable organism or etiology, suspicion for cocaine-induced pulmonary syndrome (crack lung) should be considered. He was admitted for acute hypoxic respiratory failure (AHRF) secondary to crack lung syndrome with superimposed pneumonia on HFNC and started on empiric antibiotics as well as methylprednisolone. A “Crack lung” is an acute pulmonary syndrome with a spectrum of clinical and histopathological findings. The patient's hypoxemia improved with Methylprednisolone. Crack-related lung injury, reflected by abnormally rapid 99Tcm-DTPA lung clearance, may be at least partially reversible after a 3 month period of abstinence from crack. Chest x-ray, high-resolution CT, and sometimes lung biopsy are needed for diagnosis. Sep 11, 2022 · 45-year-old male with a history of cocaine use presents to the emergency department (ED) complaining of one day of worsening shortness of breath, cough, and fever. Ischaemia of pneumocytes Oct 31, 2018 · Based on urine toxicology and radiographic finding, the patient was diagnosed with an acute pulmonary syndrome triggered by cocaine inhalation (crack lung). Clinical scenarios include non-cardiac pulmonary Crack cocaine has been linked to a range of pulmonary symptoms when inhaled. When young individuals develop respiratory symptoms Patients with Crack Lung typically present with symptoms such as coughing, shortness of breath, chest pain, and sometimes hemoptysis (coughing up blood). Crack lung is an acute pulmonary syndrome that occurs following the inhalation of freebase cocaine. Mar 5, 2024 · general concepts of drug-induced lung disease Discussing drug-induced lung disease is impossible to do in a rigorous, evidence-based fashion, for several reasons: Drugs may cause a variety of different histopathological patterns of lung disease. This case highlights the importance of considering drug-induced lung injury, such as “crack lung” in patients presenting with acute respiratory distress, hemoptysis, and tachycardia, especially in the context of recent inhalation of illicit substances. In addition to crack lung, other complications of illicit drug use may present with respiratory symptoms. In patients with severe end-stage chronic lung disease who are refractory to treatment, the only solution is lung transplantation. There is subpleural sparing. 4ubf9 hupnqanr ofnwo 8vd tfp2 yqy wf6q vqpa ijm7 fojqf