Introduction
Popcorn lung occurs due to the inflammation in the tiny air sacs. The bronchioles in the lungs are affected with bronchiolitis obliterans, often known as popcorn lung. The tiniest airways in the lungs are called bronchioles. If a person has this illness, infections or inhaling hazardous chemicals can cause the airways to become inflamed, damaged, and eventually scarred. Bronchioles are the smallest branches of the lungs. It ends in tiny sacs called alveoli. Rupture of the lining in these tiny air sacs and bronchioles causes inflammation. Hence, it is also known as bronchiolitis obliterans. The continuous irritation of the air passages (bronchi) leads to scarring. The bronchi become narrower and obstruct the oxygen flow. This condition is called popcorn lung. It usually occurs in middle-aged individuals, especially men.
What Are the Causes of a Popcorn Lung?
The irritation in the lungs because of hazardous chemical particles results in popcorn lungs. The inhalation of these toxins damages the lungs, air passages (bronchi), and air sacs (alveoli).
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Flavoring Agents - Fumes are produced from the flavoring agents of food products like dairy products, popcorn, and candies. It coats the lining of the lung and causes popcorn lungs.
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Cleaning Agents - Chlorine manufacturing units generate toxins and harm the lungs.
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Construction Workers - The fumes produced from the solid metals during welding activate the chemical particles and produce toxins.
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Industrial Workers - The complex dust particles are generated into the atmosphere during the manufacture of ammonia gas.
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Fuel - Fossil fuels contain a chemical called sulfur dioxide. Burning fossil fuels releases sulfur into the atmosphere. It enters the lungs and causes inflammation.
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Chemical Laboratories - The fumes produced from nitrous oxide and formaldehyde irritate the airways during inhalation.
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Infectious Agents - Severe respiratory infections due to bacteria and viruses cause popcorn lungs.
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Immune Reaction - Patients with hypersensitivity pneumonitis are more prone to popcorn lung. Hypersensitivity pneumonitis is a medical condition in which there is lung inflammation due to an allergy.
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Drugs - Drugs like Penicillamine and Fluorouracil affect the lungs.
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Transplant - Lung transplants or bone marrow transplants cause graft versus host disease. Because the body rejects the new organ from the donor through the immune reaction, this induces popcorn lungs after many years. It is the major cause of death in patients with popcorn lungs.
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E-Cigarette - The presence of the chemical compound called diacetyl in the liquid of e-cigarettes results in popcorn lung. It is produced in the vapor while heating the liquid.
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Marijuana - The smoke from marijuana contains acetaldehyde. It damages the mucosal lining of the throat and lungs. Continuous use of marijuana can worsen the condition of popcorn lungs.
What Are the Symptoms of Popcorn Lung?
The following symptoms appear within two to eight weeks after exposure to the chemical particles.
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The chemical irritants produce inflammation in the air passages and result in wheezing.
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There is an irritation in the skin, eyes, and mouth after exposure to the fumes.
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The individual feels exhausted after physical activity.
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The individual takes a deep breath to fill the lungs due to decreased working capacity of the lungs. So there is difficulty breathing.
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There is an abnormal breathing pattern because the individual gasps for oxygen more frequently.
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The irritants disrupt the throat lining and produce a dry cough.
How Is Popcorn Lung Diagnosed?
The medical professional asks about the past medical history and history of exposure to the chemicals during work. The confirmatory diagnostic tests for popcorn lung are as follows;
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Chest X-Rays - The chest X-rays are used to diagnose popcorn lung. The radiographic image appears opaque (with white spots) due to the lung infection. The narrowing of the air passages can be identified in the chest X-rays.
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Computed Tomography (CT Scan) - It provides additional information about the shape of popcorn lungs. The scarring in the lung tissue can be observed with computed tomography (CT scan). This is identified as a mosaic pattern by radiologists.
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Biopsy - A special tool is used to remove the portion of the affected tissue from popcorn lungs. It is then examined for infection with the help of a microscope. The presence of abnormal cells observed under a microscope indicates popcorn lung.
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Bronchoscopy - A lightweight tube is inserted into the air passages to observe the inflammation and scarring. The lung tissue and the cells are collected for analysis. The obstruction of air passages (bronchi) can also be identified using bronchoscopy.
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Pulmonary Function Test - This is a noninvasive diagnostic technique used to determine lung function. There is a decreased airflow in the popcorn lung. There is an imbalance in the ratio of inhaled and exhaled air. The capacity of the lung is reduced due to bronchiolitis obliterans (inflammation of the air sacs).
What Are the Treatment Methods for Treating Popcorn Lung?
Life expectancy can be increased in patients with popcorn lungs by treating the symptoms at an earlier stage;
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Corticosteroid Therapy - Steroids help in reducing inflammatory reactions in the body. Prednisone is commonly used to treat popcorn lung as it acts against inflammation.
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Immunosuppressant Therapy - There is an increased immune reaction when the irritants enter the lungs. Immunosuppressive drugs are used to inhibit the immune mechanism in patients with popcorn lungs. Tacrolimus is the most commonly used medication in popcorn lungs.
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Cough Suppressants - Dextromethorphan is used to reduce the cough reflex in patients.
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Bronchodilators - The narrowing of bronchial tubes in popcorn lungs can be prevented by bronchodilators. It helps in the relaxation of breathing muscles and aids in breathing.
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Montelukast - Drugs like Montelukast are used to treat respiratory conditions like wheezing in patients with popcorn lungs.
Conclusion
Popcorn lung occurs due to the inflammation in the tiny air sacs. The tissue scarring in the popcorn lungs is an irreversible condition. Popcorn lungs occur mostly in patients with lung transplants. It is a life-threatening disease, so have regular follow up with the surgeon after lung transplantation. Do not ignore the safety precautions during the occupation. The patient affected by popcorn lungs must stay away from an environment that contains harmful chemical irritants. The individual must stop using e-cigarettes to prevent further damage to the lungs. The workers in the construction sites or chemical industries must wear a protective mask to prevent inhalation of the irritants.