THE ABUSE OF HEROIN, ALL AROUND

To the Editor:

In "Face of Heroin: It's Younger and Suburban" (news article, April 25), Dr.
Herbert D. Kleber cites the myth that teenagers believe they can't die or
become addicted if they snort heroin, rather than inject it.

Here in Chicago, there has been an increase in fatal and near fatal asthma
associated with snorting heroin. This may be a reaction to the heroin itself
or to adulterants in the drug.

As the trend of heroin use shifts from injection to snorting, this suggests
that the medical consequences of heroin injection -- H.I.V. infection,
damage to kidneys, liver and heart -- will shift to an associated increase
in serious asthma and lung disease.

CORY FRANKLIN , M.D.
Chicago, April 25, 2000