When you hear the term "popcorn lung," it might sound like a strange or even humorous condition - but in reality, it's a serious and irreversible lung disease. Medically known as bronchiolitis obliterans, popcorn lung can have a profound impact on your ability to breathe and live actively. Here's what you need to know.

Popcorn lung is the nickname for bronchiolitis obliterans, a rare condition that damages the smallest airways in the lungs (called bronchioles). The disease leads to inflammation and scarring, which narrows and obstructs these airways, making it harder to move air in and out of the lungs.

Why Is It Called “Popcorn Lung”?

The name comes from a case involving workers in a microwave popcorn factory in the early 2000s. These workers were exposed to a chemical called diacetyl, used to create artificial butter flavoring. Prolonged inhalation of diacetyl caused several workers to develop severe, irreversible lung damage - hence, the nickname "popcorn lung."

Causes of Popcorn Lung

While rare, popcorn lung can be caused by various inhaled toxins or injuries, including:

Diacetyl (found in some flavored e-cigarette or vape products)
Chemical fumes (e.g., industrial cleaners, flavorings, ammonia)
Respiratory infections (e.g., after severe viral infections)
Complications from lung or stem cell transplants

Symptoms of Popcorn Lung

Popcorn lung symptoms often resemble other chronic lung diseases like asthma or COPD, which can lead to misdiagnosis. Symptoms include:

Persistent dry cough
Shortness of breath, especially during physical activity
Wheezing not linked to asthma
Fatigue
Chest discomfort

These symptoms tend to worsen over time if the condition isn’t managed early.

Is Popcorn Lung Curable?

Unfortunately, there is no cure for popcorn lung. The damage to the lung tissue is permanent, but treatments can help slow progression and manage symptoms, such as:

Bronchodilators (to open airways)
Steroids (to reduce inflammation)
Oxygen therapy
Pulmonary rehabilitation

Popcorn Lung and Vaping

Popcorn lung gained renewed attention with the rise of e-cigarettes and vaping. Some flavoured vape liquids, especially earlier or unregulated products, contained diacetyl, the same chemical linked to factory workers' lung damage.

While many major brands have removed diacetyl, not all products are tested or regulated, especially in online or black-market sales. The long-term effects of vaping are still being studied, but caution is advised.

The Role of Pulmonary Rehabilitation

For those living with popcorn lung or other chronic respiratory diseases, pulmonary rehab can improve quality of life by:

Teaching breathing techniques to reduce breathlessness
Improving strength and endurance through guided exercise
Providing nutrition and lifestyle support
Offering emotional support and education

Programs like the iMaster Health Virtual Pulmonary Rehab Program make this care accessible from home, supporting those who can't easily travel or access in-person rehab.

What is Popcorn Lung?