Crack lung

Crack lung is an acute injury to the lungs due to heavy crack-cocaine smoking.

Crack-cocaine smoke constricts blood vessels in the lungs and prevents oxygen and blood from circulating. Extreme crack-cocaine abuse results in scarring and permanent damage, i.e. crack lung.^[1]

Symptoms of crack lung include fever, cough, difficulty breathing and severe chest pain. These typically occur within 48 hours of heavy crack-cocaine smoking.^[1]

On radiographic imaging of the chest there is often hyperinflation, increased vascular markings, tree-in-bud sign, and the appearance of a "not quite normal chest radiograph". These findings are not specific to crack cocaine abuse however can support a diagnosis in the face of a high index of suspicion.

References

1. ^ ^{a b} ABC News.