Brianna began using disposable vapes at 14 to battle anxiety triggered by the COVID-19 lockdown, and since then could never stop
A terrified mother is warning other parents to check on their kids after her young teenage daughter was hospitalised due to popcorn lungs—a condition developed due to a three-year habit of vaping secretly.
According to doctors, 17-year-old Brianna began using disposable vapes at 14 to battle anxiety triggered by the COVID-19 lockdown and since then could never stop. However, she began facing breathing difficulties and had panic attacks.
Her mother, Christie Martin, rushed Brianne to a hospital, where tests revealed she was suffering from devastating bronchiolitis obliterans—also known as popcorn lung. It is a rare yet lifelong lung disease that affects the bronchioles of your lungs, making them inflamed, damaged, and then scarred because of inhaling toxic substances.
“She called me all of a sudden and said she couldn't catch her breath,” recalled Christie, who works as an estate agent in Nevada. “She kept saying, ‘I can't breathe; it was the scariest thing. I didn't expect the news she gave me, that it was popcorn lungs that's permanent and children are dying from it,” Christie added. “They told me she should be able to make a full recovery because we caught it so early, but it can also cause problems like cancer in the future.”
Why is bronchiolitis obliterans called popcorn lung?
According to experts, the name popcorn lungs comes from researchers who first identified the disease among workers in a microwave popcorn factory. The workers had breathed in diacetyl, a flavouring chemical used to make the popcorn taste buttery. Other chemicals that can cause popcorn lung include:
- Ammonia
- Chlorine
- Formaldehyde
- Fumes from metal oxides
- Hydrochloric acid
Even though it is a rare disorder, popcorn lung can happen to anyone since it can result from an infection or exposure to certain substances. Bronchiolitis obliterans can also occur without specific exposure in those who have had a lung transplant.
Signs and symptoms of popcorn lungs
A few noticeable signs and symptoms of popcorn lung include:
- Chronic coughing, especially during and after exercise
- Breathlessness, especially during and after exercise or workout
- Wheezing
- Tiredness
- Fever
- Night sweats
- Skin rashes
- Doctors say many times, those who have popcorn lung do not have any symptoms initially.
How are the symptoms managed and treated?
According to experts, the damage from popcorn lung can be extremely grave and is not reversible. However, management is likely to be more effective if your provider catches the disease early. The first thing you should do is avoid exposure to the chemicals that cause popcorn lung. If you are at a job that exposes you to these chemicals, you need to use the recommended protective equipment. If you’re smoking or vaping, you should immediately quit.
Treatments for popcorn lung may include:
- Corticosteroids to fight inflammation like prednisone
- Inhalers that help you to breathe, like those with albuterol
-
Oxygen therapy
- Lung transplant, which is recommended in severe cases
- Sufferers may also require lifelong care to manage their symptoms and are advised to avoid air pollution, cigarette smoke, and people who are unwell, who could pass on infections.
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