Abstract
Summary PEF and minute volume have been studied in 68 male and 23 female addicts maintained on methadone, heroin, or both drugs and on 12 ex-addicts. The findings have been compared with other authors for normal and tobacco cigarette smokers of the same age group. PEF was impaired in both users and ex-users. In users PEF was no less impaired with methadone than with heroin, and with or without tobacco smoking. Minute volume was in the normal range, implying adaptation of the respiratory centre to chronic drug misuse as a part of tolerance. It seems likely that heroin/methadone depresses the cough reflex with risk of developing chronic bronchitis in dependent young people. Methadone was no better in this respect than heroin.
Sign-in/Register to access full text options 
Free) 
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a call
