Popcorn lung is the informal term for bronchiolitis obliterans (BO), a serious lung disease caused by scarring of the small airways (bronchioles) in the lungs. This scarring narrows the airways, making it difficult to breathe.
Causes of Popcorn Lung
Popcorn lung was first identified in microwave popcorn factory workers who inhaled diacetyl, a butter-flavoring agent, over long periods. Diacetyl is rarely used in microwave popcorn anymore due to safety concerns, but it can still be found in some e-cigarette or vaping products.
Other potential causes of popcorn lung include:
- Exposure to other harmful chemicals, such as those found in certain industrial settings or polluted air
- Certain medical conditions, such as rheumatoid arthritis or Sjögren's syndrome
- Lung transplant rejection
Symptoms of Popcorn Lung
The main symptoms of popcorn lung include:
- A dry cough that won't go away
- Shortness of breath, especially during exertion
- Rapid, shallow breathing
- Wheezing or crackling sounds in the chest
- Fatigue
Popcorn Lung vs. EVALI
While both popcorn lung and EVALI (e-cigarette, or vaping, product use-associated lung injury) can damage the lungs and cause breathing problems, they have different causes. Popcorn lung is typically caused by long-term exposure to specific chemicals, while EVALI is linked to the chemicals found in vaping products, particularly those containing THC.
Treatment for Popcorn Lung
There is no cure for popcorn lung, but treatment can help manage the symptoms and improve quality of life. Treatment options may include:
- Bronchodilators to relax the airways and make breathing easier
- Corticosteroids to reduce inflammation in the airways
- Oxygen therapy in severe cases
- Lung transplant in very rare cases
Prevention of Popcorn Lung
The best way to prevent popcorn lung is to avoid exposure to the chemicals that can cause it. This means:
- If you work in a setting where you might be exposed to harmful chemicals, wear appropriate protective gear.
- Avoid using e-cigarette or vaping products, especially those containing diacetyl or THC.
- If you experience symptoms of popcorn lung, see a doctor right away for diagnosis and treatment.
Vaping-associated lung injury (EVALI) is a serious condition that damages the lungs and can cause breathing problems. The exact cause of EVALI is still being investigated, but it's linked to chemicals found in vaping products, particularly those containing THC, the psychoactive ingredient in marijuana.
Here's a summary of EVALI:
- Symptoms: Cough, shortness of breath, chest pain, fatigue, fever, nausea, vomiting, diarrhea.
- Causes: Likely linked to chemicals in vaping products, especially THC-containing ones. Vitamin E acetate, a thickening agent used in some THC vaping products, has been strongly linked to EVALI.
- Diagnosis: There's no single test for EVALI. Doctors diagnose it by ruling out other conditions and taking a history of vaping product use. Chest X-rays and CT scans may also be used.
- Treatment: There is no specific treatment for EVALI. Treatment focuses on managing symptoms and supporting the lungs. This may include medications like corticosteroids to reduce inflammation, oxygen therapy to help with breathing, and supportive care such as rest and fluids. In severe cases, people may need to be put on a ventilator.
- Prevention: The best way to prevent EVALI is to avoid vaping altogether. If you must vape, avoid products containing THC or vitamin E acetate.
Image of EVALI lungs:
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