Ever heard of popcorn lungs? It is rare condition that leads to serious and irreversible damage to the lungs. Known as bronchiolitis obliterans, the disease damages your lungs’ smallest airways and makes you cough and feel short of breath.
According to experts, it’s sometimes caused by breathing in a chemical used to flavor microwave popcorn. However, other chemicals or lung illnesses can also cause popcorn lung.
However, it’s still used in some electronic cigarette flavors in the US. Many e-cigarette makers state they aren’t using this chemical in their products and its use in e-cigarettes is banned in Europe.
Another common cause is acetaldehyde, a chemical found in the smoke from marijuana and some electronic cigarettes.
Other chemicals that can cause popcorn lung include:
Metal oxide fumes, a common byproduct of welding
Formaldehyde, a cancer-causing chemical used in some glues and building materials
Sulfur dioxide, a pollutant released by burning fossil fuels
Ammonia
Chlorine
Nitrogen oxides
Hydrochloric acid
Sulfur mustard, a chemical weapon known as “mustard gas”
What are the symptoms?
Symptoms of popcorn lungs include:
dry cough
shortness of breath
feeling tired or wheezing without an obvious reason
How to treat popcorn lungs?
Treatments for popcorn lung may include:
Corticosteroids to fight inflammation, such as prednisone.
Inhalers to help with breathing, such as those with albuterol.
Oxygen therapy.
Lung transplant, but this is recommended only in the most severe and extreme circumstances.