What is Bronchiolitis Obliterans?
It is Popcorn Lung!
Obliterans is a strange word, but it just means the inflammation of the bronchioles that partially obliterate the airways. The resulting pneumonia is caused by this inflammation, not by an infection.
Some known causes of BOOP include radiation therapy, certain medications, bone marrow transplants, and some connective tissue disorders like lupus.
Exposure to certain gases, like oxides of nitrogen or chlorine, phosgene, ozone, sulfur dioxide, or hydrogen sulfide can cause BOOP as well. These gases can turn into acids after penetrating lung tissue. Workers who make potato chips, snack cakes, and even candy could be at risk too.
People that work with the food additive diacetyl may also be at risk for developing bronchiolitis obliterans. Diacetyl is an ingredient in some microwave popcorns, leading to the condition being named "Popcorn Lung".
Bronchiolitis obliterans with organizing pneumonia doesn't always exhibit symptoms. It is sometimes found on an X-ray done for a completely different reason. In some cases it causes fever and/or shortness of breath. If one develops these symptoms, they will progress over a few weeks.
Diagnosis is usually made after a CT scan, known as a high-resolution computerized tomography scanning. A small biopsy of lung tissue may also be done. Steroids are often used in treatment.
"Popcorn Lung", or bronchiolitis obliterans, may not be limited to those exposed to certain chemicals at work. Colorado resident Wayne Watson made news recently, as he contracted the condition. This is the only reported case outside of factory workers.
Thank goodness, though, most of us are probably safe from microwave popcorn. Watson's heavy consumption was probably a large factor. He ate at least two bags a day for ten years, taking care to breathe in the steam before the bag cooled down. He first noticed a diminished lung capacity a few years ago.
ConAgra, which makes Orville Redenbacher and Act II, plans to stop using diacetyl within a year. This is out of concern for it's workers, not consumers.
Bronchiolitis obliterans is rare, but treatable. It is also not "catching" like other illnesses. It is believed most consumers aren't at risk. If you suspect a manufacturing plant is putting employees at risk for this disease, you can call the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health at 1-800-232-2114.
Published by SE
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