Vaping is a common addiction among youngsters these days. While many believe that vaping is less harmful to the lungs than cigarettes, they couldn’t be more wrong! Many people are getting diagnosed with progressive chronic diseases as the effects of vaping are becoming clearer to people. There is a new disease spreading amongst people addicted to vaping, known as ‘Popcorn Lungs’.
The disease, popcorn lungs or Bronchiolitis Obliterans, came to light with the case of Brianne Cullen, a 17-year-old teen from Nevada. Biranne is a cheerleader who started vaping at the age of 14 to handle the anxiety of returning to school after the long COVID-19 lockdown. She called her mother one day from cheer practice about her inability to breathe. Doctors diagnosed Brianne with Bronchiolitis Obliterans, and she spent three years in the hospital due to vaping.
What is Bronchiolitis Obliterans?
Bronchiolitis Obliterans or popcorn lungs is a very serious, irreversible disease. According to the American Lung Association, it is a rare, chronic disease that first discovered in microwave popcorn plant workers. The workers contracted this disease from breathing in diacetyl, an artificial flavouring added to microwave popcorn.
In Brianne Cullen’s case, she got the disease most likely from the acetaldehyde found in the vape smoke.
What are the symptoms of Bronchiolitis Obliterans?
If someone is suffering from popcorn lungs, they will experience shortness of breath, wheezing, fatigue and more such symptoms. Cullen’s mom pointed out that her daughter’s prognosis is good as they caught it early on. She went on to say that having Bronchiolitis Obliterans can also cause problems like cancer in the future.
How is Bronchiolitis Obliterans caused?
Bronchiolitis Obliterans is a serious lung disease that is irreversible. The chemical diacetyl causes it. Manufacturers include diacetyl in most e-cigarette and vape flavours to enhance the taste and complement a variety of flavours.