Popcorn Lung: 10 Terms to Know

Difficult not only to treat, but also to diagnose, popcorn lung is often mistaken for asthma. The debilitating, progressive lung condition became well known after a 2004 investigation by the Centers for Disease Control (CDC) discovered that workers at a microwave popcorn plant had severe, life-threatening lung damage caused from inhaling a chemical agent found in the popcorn flavor. The irreversible condition has been linked to e-cigarettes.

Because the condition can be damaging and severe, it is important to understand the causes, risks, and symptoms in order to seek professional help if you feel you or a loved one is at risk. Listed below are ten terms associated with the condition that you need to know. 

1. Diacetyl exposure: Diacetyl is the chemical agent used to give popcorn a butter flavor. The flavoring chemical contributes to the development of popcorn lung when inhaled. 
2. Vaping: Vaping is a slang term for the use of e-cigarettes. Recent studies suggest e-cigarettes contain a dangerous level of harmful diacetyl chemicals that can cause severe damage to the lungs. 
3. Cough: A dry cough is a common and primary symptom of the condition.
4. Dyspnea: Also known as shortness of breath, this is another common symptom of popcorn lung when breathing passages are damaged. 
5. Inflammation: Severe exposure may result in inflammation such as reddening, swelling, and/or pain of the skin, eyes, nose, and throat. 
6. Bronchiolitis: This is the inflammation of the bronchioles (small airway branches), which are compressed and narrowed by scarring, damaging the lungs. 
7. Obliterans: This is the partial inflammation or complete obstruction of the airways. 
8. Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD): COPD is a progressive, chronic inflammatory lung disease that makes breathing difficult due to obstructed airflow from the lungs. COPD increases the risk of developing additional conditions such as heart disease and lung cancer. 
9. Biopsy: This is a sample of tissue obtained for further examination. This is the preferable method for diagnosing popcorn lung. Multiple samples will need to be examined in order to make a diagnosis.   
10. Lung transplant: Popcorn lung is irreversible, and in serious cases a lung transplant may be sought. The transplant is not a cure. There is a continued risk for re-developing the disease due to rejection of the transplant.