Respiratory complications as a result of the use of crack: literature review

Abstract

Introduction: Crack is a smokable form of cocaine and it can cause severe dependence. Since the lung is the main organ exposed, pulmonary complications are frequently observed. Objective: To investigate in the literature the main pulmonary complications due to the use of crack. Methods: A search was conducted in major databases: Medline, Lilacs, SciELO, and Cochrane. Results: We found 107 articles with the term “Crack Cocaine” on Lilacs, 1.981 in the Medline, 85 on Cochrane, 55 in the SciELO, and 2 in the PEDro. Conclusion: Most of the articles came from case reports, and the authors are unanimous in stating that crack has the ability to damage all structural components of the lung, causing diverse pulmonary dysfunctions that can lead to disease and even death.