Of 19 consecutive smokers of cocaine, "freebase" cocaine [ill]rs, admitted to a chemical dependence program, 12 (63%) respiratory symptoms and ten (58%) noted dyspnea. [ill]ormalities of carbon monoxide diffusing capacity were [ill] seen in ten of the subjects, although responses to steady[ill]te exercise testing were normal in subjects undergoing [ill]rcise. We believe that freebase cocaine use frequently [ill]duces pulmonary gas exchange abnormalities that appear [ill]r relatively brief periods of abuse. These abnormalities [ill]y persist after cessation of freebase cocaine use. A history [ill]his form of drug abuse should be sought when evaluating [ill]ents with appropriate symptoms or abnormalities of diffuscapacity.
Arch intern Med 1984;144:2195-2197)