Popcorn lung: The real-life horror hiding in vapes

Let’s be honest. Vaping seemed like the cleaner, cooler alternative to smoking. 

Sleek devices, fruity flavours, no smoke smell… what’s not to love? 

Well, for 17-year-old Brianne Cullen from Nevada, that cloud of cotton candy-flavoured mist turned into something way darker.

ALSO READ: Is vaping ruining your sleep? Here’s what you need to know

Brianne started vaping in secret at just 14 to cope with anxiety after the pandemic. 

By 17, she was an energetic cheerleader – lifting, tumbling, training hard. 

Although one day, in the middle of cheer practise, her lungs said “nope”.

She couldn’t breathe. Like, really couldn’t breathe.

Her mom, Christie, rushed her to the ER. After X-rays, oxygen, and a very serious conversation with doctors, the diagnosis came: bronchiolitis obliterans (better known as popcorn lung).

It sounds like a made-up condition from a bad thriller, but it’s real, rare, and potentially irreversible.

What is popcorn lung?

It’s a type of lung disease that scars the tiniest airways in your lungs (called bronchioles). That scar tissue blocks airflow and makes it hard to breathe.

The name came from actual popcorn factory workers who developed the illness after inhaling a chemical called diacetyl, which is used in buttery flavourings.

That same chemical has been found in many vape liquids. 

While it’s banned in e-liquids in places like the UK, it hasn’t been completely eliminated everywhere. 

It’s not just diacetyl, though. Other harmful chemicals, infections, and even autoimmune reactions can cause popcorn lung, too.

Watch for the warning signs

If you vape or know someone who does, these symptoms should raise red flags:

• A persistent dry cough

• Shortness of breath, especially during physical activity

• Wheezing or a whistling sound when breathing

• Constant fatigue

• Occasional fever, night sweats, or even a rash

These can sneak up over time, so it’s easy to brush them off. 

However, catching them early can make a massive difference.

ALSO READ: Vaping in SA schools: Study shows harrowing statistics

Is there a cure?

Nope, there’s no cure. Popcorn lung can only be managed.

Brianne now uses an inhaler daily and has to be cautious and avoid pollution, cigarette smoke, and even people with the flu. 

Doctors say she might make a full recovery because they caught it early, but the long-term effects are still unknown. 

Unlike smoking, which takes years to cause visible damage, popcorn lung moves faster, and the damage can be permanent.

“It took a deadly diagnosis for her to stop,” said her mom. 

Now, she’s urging other parents and teens to take vaping seriously. 

“We need to work together to take these things off the market.”

ALSO READ: QUIZ: What type of parent are you?

The bottom line? 

Vapes might look harmless. They might taste like mango or mint, but some are loaded with chemicals that can wreck your lungs forever. 

So before you or your friends take that next puff, ask yourselves – is the flavour worth the fallout?

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