A young woman's excessive use of e-cigarettes led to her hospitalization due to an uncommon lung illness, which medical experts cautioned could have caused her to require oxygen assistance before she reached 30. Despite never having smoked cigarettes before, Abby Flynn, from Milton Keynes, Buckinghamshire, started using e-cigarettes in the summer of 2021 because they were in vogue. She quickly became addicted to the devices, consuming an entire cartridge of vape fluid daily, equivalent to 140 cigarettes a week.
One morning, she woke up struggling to breathe, and the cough that had started when she first started vaping became uncontrollable. She was taken to the hospital, where tests were carried out, and the results revealed that she had developed a condition known as "popcorn lung," which is a permanent and possibly fatal lung injury that requires treatment. After being warned of the life-changing consequences she could face if she didn't stop, Miss Flynn has promised never to vape again, as per Daily Mail.
Before quitting, Miss Flynn had been purchasing two disposable vapes for £9 every time she visited a corner shop, costing her £135 per month. She would use a variety of sweet flavors, including bubble gum. According to her, she began vaping approximately 1.5 years ago because it was a trendy habit many of her peers were doing. Despite having asthma since she was young, she started vaping without ever having smoked cigarettes. The e-cigarette became a constant presence in her life, even while driving or sleeping.
Vaping Hazards
After using e-cigarettes, Miss Flynn experienced the sudden onset of a persistent cough. At first, it was a minor annoyance, but over 18 months, it worsened gradually. In January, she woke up struggling to breathe and went to the Milton Keynes Hospital Walk-in Centre. She recalls panicking and crying because she could not catch her breath. Her condition had worsened to the point where she could not walk, and her cough had become unbearable.
Miss Flynn was frightened by her symptoms and was unsure of what was causing her breathing difficulties. Although she had asthma, her experience felt different from an asthma attack. Medical professionals rapidly transported her to the resuscitation unit, where she received oxygen and underwent an X-ray. Doctors later identified her condition as bronchiolitis obliterans, also known as "popcorn lung," after asking if she used disposable vapes. The X-ray indicated the presence of numerous air pockets in her lungs, which are characteristic of popcorn lungs. This condition is a rare form of lung disease caused by inflammation in the bronchioles, the tiniest airways that become scarred.
Although some researchers have suggested a potential association between popcorn lung and a chemical called diacetyl, additional research is needed to determine any definitive link. In the past, some e-cigarette liquids contained diacetyl, but in 2016, the chemical was prohibited in e-cigarette liquids in the United Kingdom under the European Union Tobacco Products Directive. Cancer Research UK has reported no verified instances of popcorn lung in e-cigarette users. Infections, autoimmune diseases, and exposure to other hazardous chemicals may all cause popcorn lung, in addition to toxic chemicals. The number of individuals who are impacted by the rare illness is uncertain.
'Popcorn Lung' Disease
Bronchiolitis obliterans, or popcorn lung, can cause various symptoms, such as coughing, shortness of breath, wheezing, tiredness, fever, night sweats, and a rash. The condition was named after a group of popcorn factory workers who breathed in vapor from butter flavoring added to the popcorn, which contained diacetyl. Although some e-cigarette liquids are used to contain diacetyl, it was banned in the UK in 2016, and there have been no confirmed cases of popcorn lung in people who use e-cigarettes. Treatment for popcorn lung may involve prescribing steroids and an inhaler to reduce inflammation and improve breathing. A lung transplant may be required in severe cases, and people with the condition require life-long care to manage their symptoms. They are advised to avoid air pollution, cigarette smoke, and unwell people. E-cigarettes have become a popular tool for people looking to quit smoking in recent years.
Doctors warned Miss Flynn that if she did not quit vaping within the next year or two, she would need an oxygen machine before she reached 30. While e-cigarettes have been touted as a tool to help smokers quit, numerous studies have warned of their potential to cause severe damage to the lungs and heart, similar to traditional cigarettes. Despite this, the UK government has controversially proposed prescribing e-cigarettes as a means to wean people off smoking. Miss Flynn was surprised to learn that her condition was common among young people who use disposable vapes, as many of her friends use them regularly. She hopes her story will serve as a wake-up call to others.
It's important to note that while Miss Flynn's experience is concerning, it's still rare for individuals to develop popcorn lung due to vaping, and most e-cigarette liquids no longer contain diacetyl. However, it's always wise to take precautions to protect your health. If you are a current vaper, it's important to monitor any changes in your breathing or lung health and to consult a healthcare professional if you have any concerns. And if you are considering vaping as an alternative to smoking, it's important to carefully weigh the potential risks and benefits before making a decision.
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