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The official medical name of popcorn lung is bronchiolitis obliterans. Bronchiolitis obliterans got the nickname popcorn lung because the condition often affected people who worked with an artificial flavoring known as diacetyl in microwave popcorn facilities. However, recently, popcorn lung also became a serious health concern for flavored e-cigarette users.
What Popcorn Lung Does to You
According to the American Lung Association, popcorn lung is both serious and irreversible.
The symptoms of popcorn lung are similar to the symptoms of COPD. You may have wheezing, a frequent cough, and trouble catching your breath. These symptoms occur because the small airways in your lungs, known as bronchioles, become irritated and inflamed. Scarring occurs which narrows the airways and makes it hard for you to get the air that you need.
If you exhibit popcorn lung symptoms, then your doctor may use a CT scan and X-rays to get more information. A definitive diagnosis often requires a biopsy.
Once a diagnosis is made, your doctor may recommend care to slow down the progression of the disease and to ease your symptoms. If you use e-cigarettes, then you will likely be advised to stop as soon as possible. Additionally, your doctor may recommend:
- Antibiotics or steroids to treat the inflammation in your airways.
- Medications to slow down your immune system and protect your lungs from further damage
- Medications to manage your cough or open your airways
- Oxygen therapy, as needed
The Danger of E-Cigarettes
Diacetyl, the chemical found in microwave popcorn flavoring, that caused popcorn lung among microwave popcorn factory workers, is also used to make certain flavors of e-cigarettes. Additionally, e-cigarettes may contain other chemicals such as acetoin and pentainedione, which may also cause popcorn lung. According to the American Lung Association, more than 90% of e-cigarettes had one of these three chemicals present in 2018, the most current year for which data is available.
You may not have been warned about the risk of developing popcorn lung from your e-cigarette use. However, vaping may have caused you to suffer this serious illness.
If you have popcorn lung after vaping or if your child has any type of vaping injury, then we encourage you to contact our experienced Wisconsin injury lawyers for a free, no-obligation consultation about your rights and your potential legal recovery.
