Popcorn lung is a condition caused by the inhalation of toxic substances. It affects the bronchioles, the smallest passages for air in the lungs. In a person with popcorn lung, healthy tissue in the bronchioles becomes irritated and damaged, and it may scar.
The disease was first discovered in a group of workers from a microwave popcorn plant. The workers had inhaled diacetyl, a chemical used to add flavour. While diacetyl is no longer used to flavour popcorn, it is used to flavour the liquid in e-cigarettes and vapes. Popcorn lung is commonly linked to people who vape and use e-cigarettes, and even to second-hand exposure.
Common symptoms of popcorn lung include:
Some people with popcorn lung do not have any initial symptoms.
Popcorn lung is caused by the inhalation of the toxic chemical diacetyl in the liquid that is vaporised in e-cigarettes and vaping devices.
Risk factors for popcorn lung include secondary exposure to the vapours from e-cigarettes and vaping devices and pre-existing lung conditions such as asthma.
A doctor will use a combination of medical history, current symptoms, a physical exam, and imaging scans to diagnose popcorn lung. It can be difficult to diagnose popcorn lung without any imaging scans since symptoms like shortness of breath and becoming tired easily are common to several conditions. Imaging scans and diagnostic tests are critical to ruling out diseases and making the correct diagnosis.
Your provider may order:
Complications of popcorn lung include worsening of symptoms and death due to lung-related causes. It’s important to note that if untreated, popcorn lung can be fatal.
Popcorn lung is treatable, but it is not a reversible disease. Damage done to the lungs by exposure to diacetyl in e-cigarettes and/or vaping devices can’t be undone. It is important that people living with popcorn lung adhere to their treatment plans to prevent worsening of the condition.
If you have been diagnosed with popcorn lung, it is important to stop using e-cigarettes and/or vaping devices immediately. Discuss resources for stopping use with your doctor.
Therapeutic options for people with popcorn lung include:
Corticosteroids have a lot of potential to help patients with popcorn lung. They also have several side effects that should not be taken lightly and can be discussed with a doctor. These include abnormal changes in mood, abnormal weight gain, trouble sleeping, nervousness, and complications with diabetes management.
If you’re living with popcorn lung, try to avoid anything else that may irritate your lungs, including e-cigarette vapours, tobacco smoke, and pollution. Maintain good hygiene practices, avoid those who are sick, and practice masking. See a doctor right away if you’re sick and take any medicines as your doctor instructs.
Prevention of popcorn lung includes avoiding e-cigarettes, vaping devices, and their second-hand vapours.