Teen addicted to vaping diagnosed with popcorn lung: Know what it is and what are the risks

Vaping has detrimental effects on health and a recent case that is going viral over social media is a proof of that. According to reports, Brianna Martin, a high school cheerleader suddenly developed breathing difficulties and after diagnosis it was found that she had bronchiolitis obliterans, more commonly known as ‘popcorn lung’. The 17 year old was secretly addicted to vaping. Reports say, Brianna used a disposable vape daily for three years and currently she relies on an inhaler.

“She called me all of a sudden and said she couldn’t catch her breath"

“She called me all of a sudden and said she couldn’t catch her breath. I can’t breathe; it was the scariest thing. I didn’t expect the news she gave me, that it was popcorn lungs that’s permanent and children are dying from it. They told me she should be able to make a full recovery because we caught it so early, but it can also cause problems like cancer in the future," Brianna's mom, Christie told the media.

“Smoking takes years to show its effect and your lungs can heal from it, but popcorn lung is irreversible," she added.

What is popcorn lung?

Popcorn lung is the common name for a rare but serious lung condition called bronchiolitis obliterans. It damages the small airways in the lungs, making it difficult to breathe. The nickname “popcorn lung” originated in the early 2000s when workers at a microwave popcorn factory developed this condition after prolonged exposure to a chemical called diacetyl, which was used to give popcorn its buttery flavor.

Diacetyl is the most well-known cause, but it’s not the only one. Popcorn lung can also develop after exposure to other toxic fumes, chemicals, or even from complications of respiratory infections. In recent years, vaping has been linked to popcorn lung, as some e-liquids and flavored vape products have been found to contain diacetyl or similar harmful substances. Inhaling these can irritate and scar the lung’s airways over time.

Popcorn lung doesn’t develop overnight. Early symptoms include persistent dry cough, shortness of breath, wheezing, and fatigue—often mistaken for asthma or bronchitis. The damage, however, is progressive and irreversible if not diagnosed early.

Is there a cure?

Unfortunately, there’s no cure for popcorn lung, but treatment can help manage the symptoms. Doctors may prescribe steroids, inhalers, or recommend oxygen therapy in severe cases. The best defense is prevention—avoiding exposure to harmful chemicals, especially from vaping or occupational hazards.

If you vape or are exposed to chemical fumes regularly and experience any breathing issues, it’s essential to seek medical help early. Popcorn lung may be rare, but its impact on quality of life is significant.