Does vaping cause popcorn lung?

Vaping is often considered a safer alternative to smoking, but concerns about its potential health risks remain. One such concern is “popcorn lung,” a term that has raised alarm among both vapers and non-vapers alike. This article aims to clarify what popcorn lung is, why it’s associated with vaping, and separate the facts from the myths.

What is popcorn lung?

Popcorn lung, medically known as bronchiolitis obliterans, is a rare and serious lung condition that damages the smallest airways in the lungs, called bronchioles.

The damage causes scarring and inflammation, which can block airflow and lead to severe breathing difficulties.

Symptoms of popcorn lung may include a persistent cough, wheezing, shortness of breath, and fatigue, resembling those of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) or asthma.

Why is Bronchiolitis Obliterans called popcorn lung?

The term “popcorn lung” originated from cases in the early 2000s when workers in microwave popcorn factories began developing respiratory symptoms.

Investigations linked these cases to inhaling diacetyl, a chemical used to give popcorn it’s buttery flavor. High levels of diacetyl exposure in factory environments led to scarring of the workers’ lungs, resulting in bronchiolitis obliterans. This connection gave rise to the term “popcorn lung.”

What causes popcorn lung?

The primary cause of popcorn lung is exposure to harmful chemicals that damage the bronchioles.

Diacetyl, the chemical linked to the condition, has been found in some flavoured e-liquids used in vaping, especially in those with buttery or candy flavours. These are banned in the UK, EU & US but are still allowed in other countries and found in illegal vapes.

Other chemicals, such as acetaldehyde and formaldehyde, found in some e-liquids, can also irritate and damage the lungs.

It’s important to note that diacetyl was widely used in cigarette production long before the vaping era, and smokers have historically been at risk of exposure to this chemical.

Popcorn lung can also result from exposure to other substances, including:

• Fumes from industrial chemicals (such as ammonia or chlorine)
• Certain medications, like chemotherapy drugs
• Infectious diseases, such as respiratory infections
• Chronic inflammatory conditions that affect the lungs

How is popcorn lung diagnosed?

Diagnosing popcorn lung can be challenging because its symptoms are similar to those of other respiratory conditions.

If a person presents with persistent breathing problems that don’t improve with standard asthma or COPD treatments, a doctor may perform several tests, such as:

• Pulmonary function tests to measure lung capacity
• High-resolution computed tomography (HRCT) scans to identify specific lung damage
• Lung biopsy to confirm the presence of bronchiolitis obliterans

How is popcorn lung treated?

There is no cure for popcorn lung, but early diagnosis and treatment can help manage the symptoms and slow the disease’s progression.

Treatment options typically include:

• Corticosteroids and immunosuppressive drugs to reduce inflammation
• Oxygen therapy for individuals with low oxygen levels
• Pulmonary rehabilitation programs to improve lung function and quality of life
• Lung transplant, in severe cases where other treatments are ineffective

What Are the Facts About Vapes and Popcorn Lung?

The connection between vaping and popcorn lung has been the subject of much debate. Here are the key facts:

1. Diacetyl in E-liquids
   

In the early days of vaping, some e-liquids did contain diacetyl, primarily in buttery and candy flavours.
However, after the risks became widely recognized, many manufacturers voluntarily removed diacetyl from their products, and current regulations in several countries ban its use in e-liquids e.g. US, UK & EU but many countries still allow them and they are found in illegal vapes.

2. Concentration levels

Even when diacetyl was present in e-liquids, the levels were generally much lower than those found in cigarette smoke.
Regular cigarette smokers were—and still are—exposed to higher concentrations of diacetyl than vapers ever were, yet no widespread epidemic of popcorn lung has occurred among smokers.

3. Scientific evidence

There have been no confirmed cases of popcorn lung directly caused by vaping.
The initial concern was largely based on studies showing that some e-liquids contained diacetyl, but the quantities were far below the levels associated with causing popcorn lung in industrial workers.
However, there are other side effects of vaping.

4. Cessation tools

At Allen Carr’s Easyway, we understand that smokers and vapers are often driven by the fear of health consequences, which can make quitting feel even more challenging.
While fear can be a motivator, it’s important to approach quitting smoking or vaping with a positive mindset.
Our drug free method is designed to remove the desire to smoke or vape without relying on scare tactics.
We focus on empowering individuals to understand the true nature of nicotine addiction and provide a clear path to freedom.