Acute respiratory distress and hemoptysis: a case report of drug-induced lung injury aka "crack lung".

ABSTRACT:

Background

With the increasing use of inhaled drugs such as cocaine and amphetamines, drug-induced lung injury has become a relevant condition in emergency settings. "Crack lung" is a well-documented, acute pulmonary syndrome associated with inhalation of cocaine, characterized by respiratory distress, hemoptysis, and various radiographic findings. While the syndrome is more common among younger individuals, it can present in older patients, often triggered by the acute use of inhalative drugs.

Case description

A 60-year-old obese male with no significant history of lung or cardiac disease presented to the emergency department with sudden-onset dyspnea, severe hemoptysis, palpitations, and tachycardia. Vital signs indicated hypertension (180/110 mmHg) and hypoxia [peripheral

SUBMITTER: Reichert M 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC12319608 | biostudies-literature | 2025

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature