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Review
. 1984 Jan;68(1):201-19.
doi: 10.1016/s0025-7125(16)31250-0.

Alcohol and the respiratory tract

P E Krumpe, J M Cummiskey, G A Lillington
Review

Alcohol and the respiratory tract

P E Krumpe et al. Med Clin North Am. 1984 Jan.

Abstract

Possible mechanisms by which alcohol may adversely affect the respiratory system are considered. Alcohol ingestion impairs glottic reflexes, and alcoholics are predisposed to pneumonias and lung abscesses from aspiration of oropharyngeal bacteria. Alcohol intoxication also increases the frequency of sleep apnea and may result in respiratory failure from oversedation.

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