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Vaping Alert: Teenager Develops “Popcorn Lung” in E-cigarette Related Case
A concerned mother is cautioning about the potential dangers of vaping after her daughter, a teenager, was diagnosed with bronchiolitis obliterans, a severe and permanent lung condition linked to e-cigarette use, commonly known as “popcorn lung.” This incident underscores the serious health risks associated with vaping, particularly among young adults.
Secret Vaping Led to Severe Respiratory Issues
Brianne Cullen, a 17-year-old, reportedly started secretly using disposable vapes at the age of 14 to manage anxiety following the return to in-person schooling after COVID-19 lockdowns.
Approximately four months ago, Brianne, a cheerleader from Nevada, experienced a sudden health crisis. She contacted her mother in distress, reporting significant difficulty breathing.
Emergency Diagnosis: Bronchiolitis Obliterans
Christie Martin, Brianne’s mother, promptly took her daughter to the emergency room. Medical evaluations revealed a diagnosis of bronchiolitis obliterans, a debilitating condition frequently referred to as “popcorn lung”.
Understanding Bronchiolitis Obliterans (“Popcorn Lung”)
Bronchiolitis obliterans is a rare and serious lung ailment characterized by inflammation and subsequent scarring of the bronchioles, the smallest airways within the lungs.
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Treatment and Management
While treatments such as steroids and inhalers can help reduce inflammation and ease breathing, severe cases may necessitate a lung transplant. The condition requires ongoing, lifelong management to alleviate symptoms and necessitates avoiding environmental pollutants, cigarette smoke, and contact with individuals who are ill due to the risk of infection.
“I Can’t Breathe”: A Mother’s Ordeal
Recounting the alarming event, Ms. Martin stated, ‘She called me unexpectedly, gasping for breath.’
‘She kept repeating “I can’t breathe,” it was the most frightening experience,’ she added, describing the urgency of the situation.
Upon arrival at the hospital, and following multiple diagnostic scans, doctors informed them that the findings warranted a ‘very serious’ discussion.
‘I was unprepared for the news that it was popcorn lung, a permanent condition, and that children are succumbing to it,’ she expressed.
‘They assured me that Brianne should achieve a full recovery because of the early detection, but also cautioned about potential future complications like cancer.’
‘Unlike smoking, which takes years to manifest its effects and from which lungs can recover, popcorn lung is irreversible,’ she was told.
Disposable Vapes and Limited Treatment Options
Doctors prescribed Brianne, who had been using a $25 disposable vape daily for three years, an inhaler to assist with her breathing.
Beyond cessation of vaping, medical interventions are limited.
‘We are uncertain about the current state of her lungs,’ Ms. Martin admitted. ‘The potential for lasting effects remains unknown.’
Potential Link Between Vaping and “Popcorn Lung”
Scientific research suggests a possible correlation between “popcorn lung” and diacetyl, a chemical compound found in some vape products. However, further investigation is needed to confirm this link.
Diacetyl was previously used in some e-cigarette liquids, but its use was prohibited in the UK under the EU Tobacco Products Directive in 2016.
However, diacetyl may still be present in e-cigarettes available in the US.
Besides chemical exposure, infections and autoimmune disorders can also trigger popcorn lung. The exact prevalence of this rare condition is not precisely known.
Recognizing the Signs
Indicative symptoms of popcorn lung include:
- Coughing
- Shortness of breath
- Wheezing
- Fatigue
- Fever
- Night sweats
- Rash
The condition’s name originated from cases among popcorn factory workers in Missouri who developed the illness after inhaling vapor from butter flavoring containing diacetyl.
Cancer Research UK states that there have been no confirmed cases of popcorn lung directly linked to e-cigarette use.
Growing Concerns Over Youth Vaping and Public Health Response
Despite a lack of confirmed direct links, public health experts are increasingly worried about the rising rates of e-cigarette use among young individuals, especially those who have never smoked traditional cigarettes.
In an effort to curb youth vaping, the UK government announced in October a ban on disposable vapes, which are often attractively packaged, come in appealing flavors, and contain addictive nicotine. The ban is scheduled to take effect in June.
Numerous alarming cases, including incidents of collapsed lungs, fainting spells, and the vomiting of a concerning green fluid, have been associated with excessive vaping.
Disturbingly, evidence indicates that children as young as four years old are being hospitalized due to vape-related health issues.
Recent data reveals that one in four children have experimented with vaping devices, with regular use reported in one in ten. Among 16-to-17-year-olds, regular use increases to approximately one in six.
Mother’s Call to Action: Raising Awareness
Ms. Martin is now dedicated to raising awareness and urging parents to collectively combat youth vaping.
‘I strongly encourage parents to increase awareness. This is intended as a cautionary narrative against allowing children to vape under any circumstances,’ she urged.
‘There was a time when cigarettes were considered healthy, but now we know the truth. We are still in the dark about the long-term effects of vapes.’
‘Children can easily enter vape shops and purchase these products; it’s purely profit-driven.’
‘Despite being vigilant, I never witnessed her vaping in her room. It required a critical diagnosis for her to stop,’ she concluded.