Pulmonary Complications of Substance Abuse: Pathophysiology, Diagnosis, and Management Strategies

Document Type : Review Article(s)

Authors

1 Department of Clinical Psychology, Science and Research Branch, Islamic Azad University, Tehran, Iran

2 Department of Internal Medicine, School of Medicine, Zahedan University of Medical Sciences, Zahedan, Iran

3 Department of Internal Medicine, School of Medicine, Sayyad Shirazi Hospital, Golestan University of Medical Sciences, Gorgan, Iran

4 Department of Pulmonary Medicine, Hazrate-Rasoul Akram Hospital, Iran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran

5 Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences Research Center, Mashhad University of Medical Sciences, Mashhad, Iran

6 Center for Health Related Social and Behavioral Sciences Research, Shahroud University of Medical Sciences, Shahroud, Iran

7 Social Development and Health Promotion Research Center, Gonabad University of Medical Sciences, Gonabad, Iran

8 Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences Research Center, Addiction Institute, Mazandaran University of Medical Sciences, Sari, Mazandaran, Iran

10.34172/ahj.1641

Abstract

Substance abuse significantly impacts pulmonary health, with diverse complications arising from the use of tobacco, alcohol, opioids, and other illicit drugs. These substances can directly damage lung tissue and exacerbate chronic respiratory diseases through mechanisms like oxidative stress, inflammation, and immune dysfunction. This study reviewed current evidence on the prevalence, pathophysiology, and clinical manifestations of pulmonary complications associated with substance abuse. Key findings include the high prevalence of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease among heroin users, the association of cocaine with acute and chronic pulmonary conditions, and the role of alcohol in exacerbating respiratory infections and acute respiratory distress syndrome. The review highlights diagnostic challenges, emphasizing the need for comprehensive clinical assessments, advanced imaging, and biomarker utilization. Additionally, it outlines treatment strategies, including pharmacological interventions, smoking cessation programs, and pulmonary rehabilitation. Recognizing the public health implications, the review advocates preventive measures, harm reduction strategies, and integrated care models to mitigate the burden of substance-related pulmonary diseases.

Keywords

References

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Addiction & Health
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