What is Popcorn Lung?

Popcorn Lung is a layman term used to describe a serious condition called Bronchiolitis Obliterans or Constrictive Bronchiolitis. There are many causes for Constrictive Bronchiolitis, including but not limited to organ transplant rejection, viral infections, collagen vascular disease, drug reaction and in rare instances through inhalation of diacetyl.

Diacetyl inhalation is most likely to occur in those who work in the manufacturing of microwave popcorn, potato chips and candy. The chemical diacetyl is found in the butter flavored microwaveable popcorn and can, in very rare occurrences cause "popcorn lung". In fact, to date Wayne Watson is the only non-factory worker to ever been diagnosed with popcorn lung. Reportedly he used to eat on average 2 bags of popcorn a day. While opening the bag he would smell the popcorn as the steam rose leading to Constructive Bronchiolitis or popcorn lung.

Some symptoms of Constrictive Bronchiolitis or Popcorn Lung are:
-Shortness of Breath
-A dry cough
-Wheezing
-Restricted Lung Capacity

A normal person should have full use of around 80% lung capacity. An individual with Constructive Bronchiolitis is very restricted using only between 16% - 21% of their lungs capacity.

Most often, Popcorn Lung is mistaken for the following ailments:
-Asthma
-Bronchitis
-Emphysema
-Pneumonia

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