Popcorn Lung: How Vaping Can Damage Your Lungs

Although vaping may appear to be a safer alternative to traditional smoking, it can significantly harm the lungs. E-cigarettes are increasingly popular among youth each year. Vaping exposes users to nicotine, ultrafine particles, and flavourings like diacetyl, along with cancer-causing chemicals and heavy metals such as nickel, tin, and lead, all of which pose serious risks to respiratory health.

Popcorn lung, also known as bronchiolitis obliterans, is a rare disease that damages the small airways in the lungs and can result in scar tissue. Those affected experience symptoms such as coughing, wheezing, and shortness of breath. While there is no cure for popcorn lung and the lung damage cannot be reversed, symptoms can be managed, and further deterioration can be prevented.

What is popcorn lung?

“Popcorn lung”, or bronchiolitis obliterans, is a rare lung disease that harms the small air sacs and lung passages, known as bronchioles. This leads to the formation of scar tissue, which can block the airways and make it hard to breathe.

Causes of popcorn lungs

This condition gained attention when it was associated with workers in a microwave popcorn plant, particularly those involved in flavouring the popcorn. Vaping is another important cause linked to the development of bronchiolitis obliterans. Diacetyl, a chemical used to provide a buttery flavour is added to “e-juice” liquid by some e-cigarette companies to complement flavourings such as vanilla, maple, coconut and more.

Diacetyl found in e-cigarettes when heated and inhaled can lead to inflammation and permanent scarring in the airways, resulting in breathing difficulties related to popcorn lung. This is how vaping can impact the lungs.

Another ill effect of vaping is lipoid pneumonia. It is different from typical pneumonia and happens when fatty acids enter the lungs instead of an infection. Inhaling oily substances from e-liquid triggers inflammation in the lungs, and one may experience symptoms such as persistent cough, difficulty breathing, and coughing up blood or blood-tinged mucus.

Popcorn lungs symptoms

The symptoms of bronchiolitis obliterans, such as coughing, wheezing, chest pain, and shortness of breath, can be managed with appropriate treatments. It is important to consult the doctor on noticing the symptoms without any delay. Early detection of these symptoms is essential for an efficient diagnosis and course of care.

Popcorn lung diagnosis

• Medical history and physical examination: Discussing symptoms and potential exposure to harmful substances.
• Lung function tests: Measuring lung capacity and airflow to assess lung function.
• Forced oscillometry (FOT) or Impulse oscillometry, a non-invasive method for assessing lung function by measuring the mechanical impedance of the respiratory system is also one of the new diagnostic modalities to find out the small airway disease.
• Imaging tests: Chest X-rays or CT scans to visualize potential abnormalities.
• Bronchoscopy: Inserting a flexible tube with a camera through the airways to examine and collect tissue samples for biopsy.

Treatment and management options

• Anti-inflammatory drugs like prednisone to reduce swelling.
• Breathing aids through inhalers, like albuterol.
• Oxygen therapy.
• In very severe cases, a lung transplant might be considered, but it’s only recommended as a last resort.

Lifestyle changes and awareness tips

Although there is no specific cure for popcorn lung, treatment options focus on managing symptoms and preventing further damage.
Pulmonary rehabilitation includes exercise, education, and emotional support to improve lung function and overall quality of life.

Protect your lungs

Lifestyle changes in avoiding exposure to harmful chemicals found in e-cigarettes and other vaping products will prevent further damage to the lungs. It is important to be aware of the potential risks associated with these products and seek medical help if they experience any respiratory symptoms.

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You may also be interested in the following blogs:

• Health Hazards: The Truth Behind 4 Myths On Vaping And Smoking
• How Exercise Can Help You Quit Smoking?

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