A teenage girl’s diagnosis with a rare lung disease known as “popcorn lung” has raised fears about the dangers of vaping. 17-year-old Brianne Cullen started using disposable vapes aged 14 to cope with anxiety and was diagnosed with popcorn lung four months later.
Popcorn lung, also known as bronchiolitis obliterans, is a serious disease that affects the small airways in the lungs. It can be life-threatening if left untreated. The disease typically begins when the bronchioles become damaged due to exposure to harmful chemicals like diacetyl, which is still used in some flavoured vaping products.
Symptoms of popcorn lung include shortness of breath, wheezing, and persistent dry cough. If left untreated, it can lead to progressive respiratory issues and permanent damage to the lungs. However, with early diagnosis and treatment, symptoms can be managed and slowed down.
While cancer research UK has not confirmed any cases of popcorn lung linked to e-cigarettes, scientists are still researching the link between vaping and the disease. The American Lung Association has called popcorn lung a “dangerous risk” of flavoured e-cigarettes.
Vaping has some potentially harmful effects on the body, including raising blood pressure and increasing heart rate. Nicotine use altogether is not risk-free and can lead to long-term health problems.
Source: https://www.standard.co.uk/news/health/what-popcorn-lung-causes-vaping-reversible-b1221603.html