title: Alcohol and the respiratory tract.
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.
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D000437:Alcoholism / Q000150:complications*; D000472:Alkalosis, Respiratory / Q000150:complications / Q000503:physiopathology; D000818:Animals; D001049:Apnea / Q000139:chemically induced; D001249:Asthma / Q000139:chemically induced; D000431:Ethanol / Q000494:pharmacology*; D006801:Humans; D000860:Hypoxia / Q000150:complications; D008108:Liver Diseases, Alcoholic / Q000150:complications*; D008168:Lung / Q000187:drug effects*; D008171:Lung Diseases / Q000209:etiology* / Q000503:physiopathology; D008297:Male
chemical_list: D000431:Ethanol