Crack Lung: Signs, Symptoms and Treatment

What is Crack Lung?

Crack lung, also known as hypersensitivity pneumonitis or chemical pneumonitis, is a lung inflammation caused by inhaling certain chemicals or foreign particles. It is most commonly caused by smoking crack cocaine, but it can also be caused by inhaling other substances, such as dust from welding or paint fumes.

Cocaine use has become an increasingly widespread issue throughout the US, and crack lung syndrome is just one of the many consequences associated with this drug. Yet, despite the side effects, millions of people just like you and I still struggle with crack cocaine each day in the US.

Keep reading to learn more about cocaine-induced pulmonary changes and how the Find Addiction Rehabs team can help you find treatment to overcome crack today!

What Causes Crack Lung?

When crack cocaine is smoked, the heat from the flame breaks down the cocaine into smaller particles that can be inhaled. These particles can irritate the lungs and cause inflammation. The inflammation can lead to a buildup of fluid in the lungs, which can make it difficult to breathe.

In addition to crack cocaine inhalation, crack lung can also be caused by inhaling other substances, such as:

• Dust from welding
• Paint fumes
• Wood dust
• Ground glass opacities
• Mold spores
• Animal dander
• Pollen
• Dusty room air

These are considered to be alveolar infiltrates, making crack lung an acute pulmonary injury that can progress into acute eosinophilic pneumonia and other pulmonary complications. In the case of crack lung, a person’s recreational drug abuse can cause life-threatening side effects.

What are the Signs and Symptoms of Acute Pulmonary Syndrome?

Acute pulmonary syndrome (APS) is a group of lung diseases that cause inflammation and damage to the lungs. APS is a syndrome with a spectrum of symptoms that can vary based on its underlying causes.

With that being said, some of the most common indicators of this respiratory disease include:

• Shortness of breath
• Cough
• Wheezing
• Chest pain
• Fever
• Fatigue
• Confusion
• Restlessness
• Cyanosis (bluish skin)

If you experience any of these symptoms, it is important to seek medical attention immediately. APS can be a serious condition, and early diagnosis and treatment are essential to improve your chances of a good outcome.

What are the Ways of Diagnosing Crack Lung?

If you believe that your crack cocaine use has led to a cocaine-induced lung injury, it is important to see a doctor as soon as possible. There is no specific test for APS resulting from cocaine abuse, but it can be diagnosed based on a combination of factors, including:

• Symptoms: People with APS may experience shortness of breath, chest pain, cough, and fever, all of which may be used to diagnose for APS as a result of cocaine smoking.
• Physical exam: Clinical and histopathologic findings can determine if the lungs are inflamed and if there is fluid buildup in the lungs.
• Imaging tests: Imaging manifestations and computed tomography, such as a chest radiograph, X-ray or CT scan, can show the inflammation and fluid buildup in the lungs.
• Blood tests: Blood tests may show signs of infection, inflammation, or organ damage.

If you are experiencing symptoms of APS, it is important to see a doctor right away. APS is a serious condition, but it can be treated with prompt medical care. Some of the tests that your doctor may order to diagnose APS include:

• Chest X-ray: This test can show if there is fluid buildup in the lungs.
• CT scan: This test can provide more detailed images of the lungs than a chest X-ray.
• Blood tests: These tests can check for infection, inflammation, and organ damage. It can also check for peripheral blood oxygen saturation, which can indicate if there is any direct cellular toxicity resulting from cocaine intoxication.
• Urine toxicology: Urine tests for crack cocaine can help determine what cocaine-based substances are contributing to a person’s APS symptoms.
• Bronchoscopy: This test allows the doctor to look inside the airways and collect samples of lung tissue.

The Dangers of Smoking Crack Cocaine

Because it is smoked, the effects of crack cocaine are more immediate and more intense than that of powdered cocaine. Even with just 48 hours of smoking crack can have significant side effects on the user.

Short Term Effects of Cocaine

A person does not have to have an extensive drug history to suffer the consequences of smoking crack. Some of the most common short-term side effects of ordinarily smoked crack cocaine include:

• Increased heart rate, blood pressure, and body temperature
• Restricted blood vessels, which can cause a pulmonary embolism
• Rapid and heavy breathing
• Disrupted sleep
• Nausea and vomiting
• Overstimulation
• Irritability, agitation and violent behavior
• Hallucinations and paranoia
• Skin crawling sensation
• Anxiety and depression
• Panic attacks
• Convulsions and seizure

It is also important to keep in mind that taking too much cocaine at once can lead to an overdose, which can be life-threatening if not properly addressed in time.

In 2019 the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) found that cocaine was involved in an estimated 1 in 5 overdose deaths, as well as a significant increase in emergency department admissions.

Long Term Effects of Crack Use

When smoking crack cocaine in the long term, this drug can cause much more severe damage. Being aware of the potential consequences that come with this substance can help users make more informed decisions about their habits. Common long-term side effects include:

• Permanent organ damage
• High blood pressure
• Increased risk of heart attacks, strokes and death
• Respiratory failure
• Malnutrition resulting from weight loss
• Severe oral and gum decay
• Persistent hallucinations
• Decreased libido and sexual dysfunction
• Chronic disorientation and fatigue
• Random mood swings
• Increased risk-taking behaviors
• Psychosis
• Severe depression and suicidal thoughts or tendencies

How to Treat Crack Lung

The treatment for APS depends on the underlying cause. In some cases, treatment may include antibiotics, antiviral medications, or other medications to treat the underlying infection. In other cases, treatment may include oxygen therapy, respiratory medicine, mechanical ventilation, and other supportive measures.

The prognosis for APS varies depending on the underlying cause and the severity of the lung damage. In general, the prognosis is better for people who are diagnosed and treated early. However, even with early diagnosis and treatment, APS can be a serious condition that can lead to death.

Effective Crack Addiction Treatment Methods

There are many different crack addiction treatment methods available, and the best approach for you will depend on your individual needs and circumstances. Some common treatment methods include:

• 12-step programs: 12-step programs like Narcotics Anonymous (NA) and Cocaine Anonymous (CA) are free and offer a supportive community for people struggling with addiction.
• Inpatient treatment: Inpatient treatment programs typically last 30-90 days and provide a safe and structured environment for recovery.
• Outpatient treatment: Outpatient treatment programs are less intensive than inpatient programs and can be completed on a daily or weekly basis.
• Medication-assisted treatment: Medication-assisted treatment (MAT) combines medication with counseling and other therapies to help people with addiction stay sober.
• Counseling: Counseling can help you understand your addiction and develop coping skills to stay sober.
• Support groups: Support groups can provide you with a safe space to share your experiences with other people who understand what you’re going through.

Get Help to Overcome Crack and Avoid Crack Lung Today!

If you or a loved one is struggling with a crack cocaine addiction, the Find Addiction Rehabs team is here to help. We work with rehab programs nationwide that offer extensive and comprehensive care to their clients.

You can call our 24/7 hotline anytime, any day to get answers to your treatment questions and get connected with treatment options that are right for you. Give yourself the chance you deserve, and call now to get started today!

FAQs on Crack Lung and Related Issues

Is Crack Lung Life Threatening?

Yes, crack lung can be life-threatening. Crack lung, also known as acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS), is a serious lung condition that can occur after smoking crack cocaine. ARDS is caused by inflammation and damage to the lungs, which can make it hard to breathe.

Symptoms of ARDS include shortness of breath, chest pain, and coughing up blood. If ARDS is not treated, it can lead to death.

What Drugs Cause Fluid in the Lungs?

Many medicines and substances are known to cause lung disease in some people. This can include having too much liquid in the lungs, which can lead to a potentially life-threatening pulmonary edema. Some of these drugs include:

• Antibiotics, such as nitrofurantoin and sulfa drugs.
• Heart medicines, such as amiodarone.
• Chemotherapy drugs like bleomycin, cyclophosphamide, and methotrexate.
• Street drugs.

Can Cocaine Cause an Alveolar Hemorrhage?

An alveolar hemorrhage is caused by bleeding into the alveolar spaces of the lungs, as a result of diffuse alveolar damage, caused by diffuse alveolar infiltrates due to the disruption of the alveolar-capillary basement membrane.

This can be caused by long-term abuse of crack cocaine, particularly when smoking this substance. The drug can cause acute pulmonary cocaine toxicity, which can result in this bleeding and subsequent damage.

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