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Heroin and Pulmonary edema

3K views 6 replies 3 participants last post by  django 
#1 ·
Heroin causes non-cardiogenic, exudative type of pulmonary edema. Anyone can explain the mechanism?

Also can you explain how acute mountain sickness causes pulmonary edema and cerebral edema?

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#3 ·
founds this links: http://medicine.ucsf.edu/education/resed/Chiefs_cover_sheets/pulmonary edema.pdf

Narcotic overdose: From overdose of heroin or methadone. Usually occurs within 2 hours of injection. Pathophysiology unknown but believed due to direct toxicity, hypoxia, hyperventilation, or cerebral edema. Supportive measure for patient are indicated.
looks like its unknown. but it is noted that its for an overdose, perhaps that makes the difference between therapy and injury?

interested to see what others say on this.
 
#6 ·
Thanks ReggieMiller ....:D

Makes sense now.

But how cerebral edema occurs? I think increase in CO2 causes cebral vasodilation but at the same time hyperventilation sets in which decreases CO2 in the body.

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