2. Snorting crack cocaine
Crack cocaine is believed to pose detrimental effects on the lungs and perhaps the entire respiratory system. The effects of cocaine on the respiratory system especially the lungs depend on how it is administered into the system (orally, through the nose, and intravenous). Other variables include the size of the dose taken, the frequency with which the drug is used and whether or not the person uses associated substances like marijuana and heroin among other hard drugs.
Cocaine is believed to cause airway injury, pulmonary edema, pulmonary hemorrhage, asthma, pulmonary hypertension, among several others. The most commonly encountered respiratory problem is coughing up blood as a result of the pulmonary hemorrhage. This symptom accompanies chest pains, hemoptysis, wheezing, and dyspnea among others. Snorting cocaine can give the person a short-lived “high” feeling but it poses dangerous long-term and short-term health risks.
