Heroin users warned of rare illness

Public health experts have issued a warning to drug users and medics after a patient was treated for a potentially fatal condition linked to the use of cocaine.

The patient was treated in a Glasgow hospital for methaemoglobinaemia, a rare and serious condition affecting the way oxygen is carried in the bloodstream.

Symptoms include blue lips, headaches, abnormal heart rate, breathlessness, fatigue and dizziness. It can also result in loss of consciousness, seizures and, in severe cases, coma and death.

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NHS Greater Glasgow and Clyde said health professionals and cocaine users themselves should be on the look-out for the symptoms.

Dr Eleanor Anderson, the health board's consultant in public health, said: "The investigations into the cause of methaemoglobinaemia in this case are ongoing, however other chemicals often added to increase the volume of cocaine are known to be able to induce the condition."

She advised people not to take the class A drug but said: "If any cocaine users display any of these symptoms they should present to their nearest A&E, GP or health centre for prompt assessment and treatment for what is potentially a very serious condition," she said.