What Is Popcorn Lung?
“Popcorn lung” may sound like a funny made-up condition, but it’s absolutely real — and serious. Its clinical name is bronchiolitis obliterans, and it’s a rare, irreversible lung disease where scarring destroys the smallest airways in the lungs, making it harder and harder to breathe as time goes on.
What Causes Popcorn Lung?
Popcorn lung occurs when the bronchioles (the smallest branches of the lungs) become inflamed and scarred. Once that scarring begins, air can’t flow as easily. Diacetyl is the most notorious culprit, but other toxins can cause it as well.
Chemicals
Diacetyl is common in some types of artificial flavorings, particularly those used in microwave popcorn, coffee roasting, and e-cigarette liquids. It’s harmless when ingested, but inhaling it over long periods can wreak havoc on the lungs.
Respiratory Infections
Some viral and bacterial infections can cause lung inflammation that mimics popcorn lung. Severe pneumonia, respiratory syncytial virus (RSV), and flu complications can also cause long-term lung damage in some cases.
Organ Transplants
Less commonly, popcorn lung can develop after a lung transplant. The body might see the new lung as something foreign, and the immune system leaves behind scars in the airways when it attacks the organ.
What Are the Symptoms of Popcorn Lung?
Popcorn lung can be subtle at first and is often mistaken for a persistent cough or mild asthma. But as the disease progresses, it can become far more difficult to breathe.
Common symptoms include:
- A dry cough that won’t go away
- Shortness of breath, even with mild exertion
- Wheezing not associated with asthma
- Feeling tired or out of breath more often
- Tightness, discomfort, or pain in the chest
Because these symptoms progress slowly, most people don’t realize anything is wrong until the disease is well advanced. If you’ve been exposed to chemicals, vaping, or certain infections, it’s important to take symptoms seriously and visit a doctor.
Is There a Cure For Popcorn Lung?
Unfortunately, popcorn lung has no cure. The lung damage is permanent and can be deadly, but some treatments help manage the disease and slow its progression.
Doctors often prescribe:
- Corticosteroids to reduce inflammation
- Bronchodilators to open the airways
- Oxygen therapy for severe cases
- Pulmonary rehab to strengthen the lungs
With the right treatments and lifestyle changes, if caught early, some people can maintain a good quality of life despite the condition.
Legal Options for Popcorn Lung Victims
Businesses that use diacetyl and other dangerous substances without proper safety measures can be held liable for negligence for not protecting their workers and the public.
Workers have successfully sued their employers for failing to give them adequate warnings and protective gear. Legal actions have also been taken against e-cigarette companies for marketing harmful products.
If you’ve been diagnosed with popcorn lung due to exposure at work or from using certain products, you may have a case for a lawsuit. Victims are often able to collect compensation for their medical costs, lost time from work, and pain and suffering.
Proving liability can be complicated, and you’ll need medical records, expert testimony, and evidence of exposure in order to prove your case. If you feel you have a claim, an attorney with a background in toxic exposure cases can help you put your claim together.
The Legal Battle Against Popcorn Lung
Popcorn lung is a serious and irreversible disease that can have devastating consequences for those affected by it. As more cases emerge, legal action has become a path for victims to go after compensation for their losses. By holding negligent companies accountable, it pushes industries to prioritize safety and transparency.
Contact the Texas Personal Injury Lawyers of The Law Firm of Alton C. Todd Personal Injury Lawyers. Call us at (281) 992-8633 for Help Today
Please contact an experienced personal injury lawyer at The Law Firm of Alton C. Todd Personal Injury Lawyers to get a free initial consultation today. We have offices in Friendswood and Galveston, Texas. Call us at (281) 612-7550.
The Law Firm of Alton C. Todd Personal Injury Lawyers – Galveston Office
2101 Mechanic St. Suite 253
Galveston, TX 77550
409-904-0753
The Law Firm of Alton C. Todd Personal Injury Lawyers – Friendswood Office
312 S. Friendswood Dr.
Friendswood, TX 77546
281-992-8633
