Popcorn lung, also known as bronchiolitis obliterans, is a rare lung condition that is the result of damage to tiny air sacs and passages in the lungs, called bronchioles. The cause of this condition is inhaling chemicals, autoimmune disease, rejection of a transplanted lung, or lung infection. The bronchioles usually heal normally, but sometimes, the inflammation can cause scar tissue to build up.
The first ever diagnosis of popcorn lung was made in a microwave popcorn plant. The people were found to have breathing problems caused by inhaling a butter-flavored chemical called diacetyl. Several other chemicals, such as formaldehyde and chlorine, also cause this condition.
Symptoms of Popcorn Lung
The symptoms of popcorn lung can get worse and flare up during exercise or exertion. The symptoms of popcorn lung are described below:
- Coughing (not caused by asthma or a cold)
- Fever
- Night sweats
- Skin rash
- Wheezing
- Shortness of breath (dyspnea)
- Tiredness
- Weight loss
Diagnosis and Tests
The medical professional may ask questions about your medical history and your smoking history. Symptoms like fatigue or difficulty breathing are rather common symptoms and can be mistaken for some other condition. Your doctor may recommend some tests to get a clearer picture. They include:
- Chest X-ray or CT (Computed Tomography) scan
- Bronchoscopy
- Pulmonary function testing (PFT)
- Lung biopsy
- Physical exam
Chemicals Causing Popcorn Lung
The main culprit of this condition is diacetyl. However, other chemicals also put people at risk of developing this condition. This ingredient is primarily found in e-cigarettes, also known as vapes, and is used in their flavors. Many companies have stopped adding this chemical to their flavor composition, and its use in e-cigarettes has been banned in the European region.
Another common culprit of this condition is acetaldehyde, commonly found in marijuana and e-cigarettes, which damages the lining of your mouth, stomach, and throat. Other chemical substances that help the development of popcorn lung are listed below:
- Ammonia
- Chlorine
- Formaldehyde
- Sulfur dioxide
- Fumes from metal oxides
- Hydrochloric acid
- Nitrogen oxides
- Mustard gas or sulfur mustard
Treatment Options
Because of its name, it may not sound like a threat, but it’s a serious lung disease. Unfortunately, there is no cure for popcorn lung. It has lasting damage, but the important thing to do is catch it early so that it can be slowed down from getting worse. Here are some treatment options:
- Corticosteroids to reduce inflammation in the airways, which can contribute to scarring.
- Inhaled bronchodilators such as albuterol help to open up the airways, making it easier to breathe.
- Oxygen therapy to increase oxygen levels and improve overall breathing.
- Lung transplant, but this is only recommended in the most extreme and severe circumstances.
- Immunosuppressant, used after a lung transplant to prevent any further damage to the bronchioles.
To Sum It Up
Knowing about this disease can help you avoid this condition altogether and help you understand its problems. If you are already experiencing these symptoms because of exposure to certain chemicals, you should get yourself checked by a doctor. Catching this condition early and getting the right treatment option can help slow the progression of the disease and manage the symptoms more effectively. This is an urgent issue for the public because of the rising cases of popcorn lung in the ER.
Contact Emergency Hospital Systems and find the best medical help for your problems. Call us to book an appointment.