What popcorn lung? You may find it strange to hear the name of this disease, but this problem can be quite dangerous. Bronchiolitis obliterans is a rare lung disease, also known as popcorn lung. Although a very small number of people suffering from this disease has come to the fore so far, being a health problem, there must be informed about it. Today in this article we are going to tell you specifically, what is popcorn lung and what can be its symptoms and causes
What is Popcorn Lung, Popcorn Lung Symptoms and Causes
What is Popcorn Lung, Popcorn Lung Symptoms and Causes



What Is Popcorn Lung Called

For your information, let us tell you that this disease is mainly caused by the chemical diacetyl. According to research, this disease mainly occurs in those people who work in a company that makes popcorn. Although it doesn't need to happen only to those people, apart from this, this disease can also happen to other people. Popcorn lung in particular is thought to be a degenerative condition of the lungs, in which the air sacs, especially in the lungs, become severely constricted. Because of this, the patient may have trouble breathing.



How Does Popcorn Lung Happen

A rare kind of lung disease called popcorn lung (bronchiolitis obliterans) is not cancer. It results from an accumulation of scar tissue in the lungs that restrict airflow. There has been talking of a connection between the illness and a substance called diacetyl.



How Do U Know If You Have Popcorn Lungs

Popcorn lung is a serious lung illness that causes coughing, wheezing, and shortness of breath, symptoms that are comparable to those of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, despite the name "popcorn lung" not sounding dangerous (COPD).



How Does Vaping Affect Your Lungs

The toxic chemicals released by vaping products can cause lung disease, death, and irreversible (cannot be repaired) lung damage if breathed in. The development of cancer, cardiovascular illness, and biological changes has all been related to some of the chemicals used in vaping products.



What Does Popcorn Lung Cough Feel Like?

Shortness of breath and a dry cough are the main signs of popcorn lung. These appear two weeks to two months following exposure to a hazardous chemical or a disease. When you exercise or perform a strenuous activity, you're especially prone to experience them.



What Can Be The Cause Of Popcorn Lung

Generally speaking, there are some specific causes of popcorn lung that can be very difficult to ignore, but due to this condition can be quite dangerous, especially for you. So it is very important to avoid this situation. Let us know what can be the reasons for this disease. A major cause of popcorn lung is the consumption of e-cigarettes. Let us tell you that the problem of popcorn lung has been seen in many youths who consume e-cigarettes. Another cause of this disease is exposure to a chemical called diacetyl by people working in the popcorn industry.

These two reasons are mainly considered to be the most responsible for popcorn lung. However, companies producing this chemical named diacetyl have now banned it. Apart from this, some chemicals can cause especially popcorn limp.

  • There is chemical called sulfur mustard which can cause popcorn lung problems if you come in contact with it.
  • Smoke emanating from a chemical called metal oxide can also become a major cause of this disease.
  • Popcorn lung can also be caused by exposure to a chemical called sulfur oxide.
  • Ammonia is also a chemical that comes in contact with which you can become infected with this disease.
  • The problem of popcorn lung can also be due to exposure to nitrogen oxides for a long time.
  • If you come in contact with chlorine daily, you can get this disease because of this as well.

Exposure to hydrochloric acid can also prove particularly harmful to you.


Symptoms of Popcorn Lunge

Generally seen, the main symptom of popcorn lung can be shortness of breath as well as phlegm problem. You do not see the symptoms of this disease suddenly, but gradually they start taking you in their grip. These can be other symptoms of popcorn lung in general.
  • Shortness Of Breath
  • Fever
  • Persistent Weight Loss
  • Night Sweats
  • Persisting Cough
  • Pain In Chest
  • Blurred Vision
All these symptoms can also be caused specifically by popcorn lung. In some cases, it has also been found that people mistook popcorn lung as a disease of asthma. These signs and symptoms appear similar to other signs of lung disease, so they are often overlooked or misinterpreted as signs of other diseases. Symptoms of lung popcorn usually appear within 2-8 weeks after exposure to chemicals, and will gradually worsen over weeks or months.

If you experience one or more of the above symptoms, see a doctor immediately. Especially if symptoms do not improve over time.


Popcorn Lung Diagnosis

To get information about whether a person has a problem with popcorn lung, doctors do some tests. Let us know how the problem of popcorn lung is diagnosed.


Chest X-Ray

Doctors usually recommend a chest X-ray to diagnose popcorn lung disease. Through this test, information is taken about how the person's lung is functioning.


City ​​Scan

The doctor may also resort to a CT scan to diagnose the problem of popcorn lung. In case of any problem in the chest, getting a city scan is considered very beneficial. In this process, all the activities especially in the lungs, such as their size and whether the lung is working properly or not, it is ascertained.

Apart from this, popcorn lung disease can also be detected by surgical lung biopsy.


Popcorn Lung Cure

You may be a little surprised to know, but, as of now, there is no permanent cure for popcorn lung. Although there are some treatments to reduce the symptoms of this disease, they cannot be completely cured. However, to overcome this disease, the doctor may suggest “immunosuppressant therapy”. Depending on the stage and severity of the disease, the doctor may also prescribe you oxygen therapy and ways to get rid of phlegm.

If there is a problem with popcorn lung, without delay, consult a doctor and start treatment as soon as possible. Only by doing this, you can get relief from this problem, ignoring this condition in any way can create a lot of problems for you. Therefore, with the help of efficient tests, you must solve this problem in time. Along with this, if you are used to smoking cigarettes, then try to leave this habit of yours as well.


What Happens If Popcorn Lung Goes Untreated 

Unfortunately, popcorn lung damage is irreversible, even though therapies can ease some symptoms and halt the condition's progression. If neglected, popcorn lung can sometimes be lethal.
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