Lung Condition Known as Popcorn Lung: Causes, Manifestations, and Remedies
In September 2019, health authorities in the United States reported an outbreak of a severe lung disease associated with e-cigarettes and other vaping products. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) are working together to investigate the cause of this outbreak, which has resulted in numerous hospitalizations and deaths.
The condition, known as popcorn lung or bronchiolitis obliterans, is a rare and life-threatening lung disease characterized by scarring and obstruction of the smallest airways in the lungs. Recent evidence has linked popcorn lung to vaping and e-cigarette use, raising public health concerns about these alternatives to traditional smoking.
Popcorn lung can be caused by inhaling diacetyl, a chemical used in some e-cigarette flavors. This chemical, historically used in microwave popcorn manufacturing, is known to cause bronchiolitis obliterans. While many e-cigarettes do not contain diacetyl explicitly, the presence of harmful chemicals in vape aerosols, including formaldehyde and other toxic agents, can contribute to lung tissue damage.
Symptoms of popcorn lung associated with vaping include persistent cough, shortness of breath or difficulty breathing, chest pain or tightness, wheezing, and fatigue. These symptoms arise due to permanent damage and scarring in the lung’s smallest airways, reducing airflow and impairing respiratory function.
Current evidence highlights that vaping can contribute to the development of this rare but serious lung condition, especially among youth and frequent users exposed to these chemicals. Nicotine addiction, youth vulnerability, unregulated chemicals in e-cigarette liquids, and irreversibility of lung damage are known factors and risks associated with popcorn lung.
Researchers are yet to determine the safety and long-term health effects of using e-cigarettes and other vaping products. There is no cure for popcorn lung, but treatments are available to help manage symptoms.
As the investigation into the outbreak of the severe lung disease associated with e-cigarettes and other vaping products continues, updates will be provided as more information becomes available. In the meantime, it is crucial for individuals to be aware of the potential risks associated with e-cigarette and vaping product use and to consult with healthcare professionals for guidance on safe practices.
- The severe lung disease associated with e-cigarettes and vaping products, which has led to numerous medical-conditions and deaths, includes popcorn lung or bronchiolitis obliterans, a rare respiratory-condition that affects the other respiratory system and is characterized by scarring and obstruction of the smallest airways in the lungs.
- This life-threatening condition can be caused by inhaling diacetyl, a harmful chemical used in some e-cigarette flavors, which is also known to cause bronchiolitis obliterans and has been linked to vaping.
- Symptoms of popcorn lung associated with vaping include persistent cough, shortness of breath or difficulty breathing, chest pain or tightness, wheezing, and fatigue, due to permanent damage and scarring in the lung’s smallest airways, reducing airflow and impairing respiratory function.
- It's crucial for individuals to be aware of the potential risks associated with e-cigarette and vaping product use and to consult with healthcare professionals for guidance on safe practices, as researchers are yet to determine the safety and long-term health effects of using these products, and there is no cure for popcorn lung, but treatments are available to help manage symptoms.
