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Popcorn Lung Lawsuit

Popcorn lung disease is a respiratory condition that, while rare, can be very serious. Those who suffer from popcorn lung disease experience severe airway constriction caused by the scarring and/or hardening of the lung tissues. The condition, which is medically known as bronchiolitis obliterans, is often misdiagnosed as asthma or emphysema.

Causes of Popcorn Lung

Popcorn lung disease is most often caused by long term exposure to the chemical diacetyl. This chemical is most commonly used to make the artificial butter flavoring in microwave popcorn. The condition received its nickname because it is most often diagnosed in popcorn factory workers.

Although popcorn lung disease is most often blamed on diacetyl, it can be caused by several other factors. It can be caused by common viral infections, collagen vascular disease, and by transplant rejection. However, popcorn lung disease retains both its name and its reputation because it is most commonly caused by the inhalation of diacetyl.

Symptoms of Popcorn Lung

The symptoms of popcorn lung disease are almost identical to those of common lung problems. Those who have popcorn lung disease will suffer from a chronic dry cough and will also experience night sweats and shortness of breath. By all outward appearances, the patient seems to be suffering from asthma, pneumonia, or some other common lung malady. However, x-rays will reveal severe inflammation and scar tissue in the bronchioles. Thickened airway walls are another sign of the disease.

Diagnosing Popcorn Lung

Before making a formal diagnosis, the doctor may also take a lung biopsy. There are several other diagnosis methods including tomography scans and spirometry tests. Tomography scans are essentially fancy x-rays; they allow for three-dimensional viewing of certain areas of the body. Spirometry tests measure lung function and determine if there are any serious airway obstructions.

In general, the disease is only diagnosed in factory workers who have inhaled diacetyl over a long period of time. The FDA has repeatedly assured consumers that it is highly unlikely that the condition will be caused simply by eating microwave popcorn. So far, there has only been one such case. However, this man’s consumption of popcorn was greatly above average.

Treating Popcorn Lung

Unfortunately, popcorn lung disease is irreversible and, for the most part, untreatable. In general, living with mild popcorn lung disease is not much different than living with asthma. However, popcorn lung disease can have a severe impact on a person’s health. In addition to the aforesaid shortness of breath, patients will often suffer from chronic fatigue. Also, any disease that causes airway constriction can deprive the brain of oxygen and may put strain on the heart. Patients with extremely severe cases of the disease are usually considered candidates for lung transplants.

Depending on the severity of the condition, patients with popcorn lung disease may require either a single or a double lung transplant. As with all such procedures, there is the risk of transplant rejection. Many transplant patients experience postoperative infections that can usually be cleared up with common antibiotics. The main recovery period is approximately two months. During this time, the patient will receive physical therapy and will begin his or her lifelong immunosuppressive regimen.