Lung failure

LSD produces tolerance, so that users who take the drug repeatedly must take higher and higher doses in order to achieve the same state of intoxication. This is extremely dangerous, given the unpredictability of the drug, and can result in increased risk of convulsions, coma, heart and lung failure, and even death. 

Beryllium metal has properties that make it technologically attractive (Alderighi et al, 2000), but these advantages are counterbalanced by the toxicity of inhaled beryllium dust, which can cause chronic beryllium disease (Sauer et a/., 2002). The etiology of this immune hyper-response disease (Eontenot et a/., 2001) is poorly understood, but the final disease state is characterized by lung failure. 

Stage 3 Maladaptation to exposure, leading to end-organ failure over 20-30 years, including coronary artery disease and lung failure. 

Chlorine gas is primarily a respiratory irritant. In sufficient concentration, the gas irritates the mucous membranes, the respiratory tract and the eyes. In extreme cases difficulty in breathing may increase to the point where death can occur from respiratory collapse or lung failure. The characteristic, penetrating odor of chlorine gas usually gives warning of its presence in the air. Also, at high concentrations, it is visible as a greenish yellow gas. Liquid chlorine in contact with skin or eyes will cause chemical bums or frostbite. 

In individual patients, however, both types of respiratory failure may coexist, as one respiratory problem leads to another with a cascade of interaction (3). For example, patients with cardiogenic pulmonary edema or status asthmaticus first develop hypoxemia due to lung failure if the disease persists or progresses, pump failure and hypercapnia appear because of several mechanisms (increased work of breathing, reduced oxygen delivery, hyperinflation). 

Esteban A, Alia I, Gordo F, et al. Extubation outcome after spontaneous breathing trials with T-tube or pressure support ventilation. The Spanish Lung Failure Collaborative Group. Am J Respir Crit Care Med 1997 156(2 pt 1) 459 5. 

Esteban A, Fmtos F, Tobin MJ, et al. A comparison of four methods of weaning patients from mechanical ventilation. Spanish Lung Failure CollabOTative Group. N Engl J Med 1995 332(6) 345-350. 

Esteban A, Alia 1, Ibanez J, et aL Modes of mechanical ventilation and weaning. A national survey of Spanish hosjatals. The Spanish Lung Failure Collaborative Group. Chest 1994 106(4) 1188-1193. 

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