Health Watch (Popcorn Lung)

Watch out for Popcorn Lung Syndrome!

Popcorn lung is a rare pulmonary ailment inducing breathing difficulty due to the impairment of small airways in the lungs called bronchioles. Pulmonologists discuss the disease that is steeped in history. The origin of this indication can be traced back to the adversely impacted lungs of workers at the microwave popcorn factories who would inhale the flavouring chemical known as diacetyl. But now the same substance is also used in vaping electronic cigarette flavours.

 

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BY PRAMITA BOSE

Symptoms

Usual symptoms like persistent cough, shortness of breath, wheezing, chest tightness and fever are issues that develop gradually and if left untreated for a long time, can progress into a lingering or recurring disorder. “While popcorn lung is not curable, it is controllable with treatment. It’s important to understand that such lung diseases are often permanent and can potentially result in respiratory failure over a period of time — sometimes within months or years — which can be life-threatening,” warns leading pulmonologist Dr Shivani Swami, who heads the department of pulmonology, sleep medicine and allergies at Amar Jain Hospital, WHC, in Jaipur.

Root Causes

Blame it on toxic fumes or gases for causing a popcorn lung as these are substances that are not meant to be inhaled. “These toxins can lead to inflammation in the lungs, thereby damaging the organ. In recent years, it is frequently being observed in people using e-cigarettes or vaping devices, even though the habit is banned in India. Exposure to toxic elements in industrial settings, chemical spills, air pollution or accidental absorption of harmful vapours can also be some contributing factors,” informs Dr Swami.

Other Harsh Chemicals

Apart from diacetyl, there are certain hazardous chemicals that can cause popcorn lung disease. “We also see this condition in patients who have accidentally inhaled nitric oxide, ammonia, chlorine or hydrochloric acid in industrial settings with high-risk zones. In severe cases, patients gasping heavily may require a ventilator support and the damage can evoke long-term or permanent breathing problems,” alerts Dr Swami.

Treatment

“First stop vaping and inhaling the toxic fumes that incite complications in the lungs,” strictly advises pulmonologist Dr Sabrinath Ravichandar, who’s a member of DocTube. “Bronchodilators (a drug that is inhaled to widen the bronchi for alleviating the aggravated asthma) and steroids are mainly used to treat a popcorn lung. Fact is, such a condition cannot promise complete recovery once scarring occurs. The damaged parts of the lungs cannot be reversed but the symptoms can often subside or be managed with treatment,” he details the procedure.

Kids at Risk

Incidentally, not only does popcorn lung happen to adults, children equally can be affected by this condition if they are accidentally exposed to the harsh toxic fumes or poisonous gases or start vaping at a young age. However, normally such cases are less reported. Having said that, the risk persists. Notably, normal cigarette smoking usually does not cause popcorn lung as the disease is more strongly associated with inhaling specific chemicals like diacetyl, which is more concentrated in e-cigarette vapours and certain industrial surroundings.

Location and Pollution

It’s true that people residing in factory localities are more susceptible to popcorn lung because of the emission of harmful industrial gases and disposal of toxic refuse. “Residents staying near factories may be more prone to popcorn lung due to prolonged exposure to industrial chemicals like diacetyl, ammonia or chlorine,” states Dr Ravichandar.

Plus, environmental pollution discharging harsh, toxic gases and smog can cause popcorn lung. “Absolutely! Toxic gases like nitrogen dioxide, ozone and particulate matter can irritate and inflame the small airways. Chronic exposure might lead to permanent lung damage similar to a popcorn lung,” reports the doctor.

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