Health

Abby Flynn, 20, said she developed bronchiolitis obstructive, or what is known as “popcorn lung”, a condition that might make her dependent on ventilators for the rest of her life.

According to the details reported by the British newspaper “Daily Mail”, Abby was not a smoker before the summer of 2021, when she decided to inhale “vape” as an experiment.

But soon the young woman fell into the clutches of electronic cigarettes, as she smoked a full cartridge every day, equivalent to 140 cigarettes per week.

“I started vaping regarding a year and a half ago. I had never smoked before so I went straight to vaping,” the young woman said, believing she might have quit at any time.

But she admitted that the e-cigarette “was constantly associated with it. While driving and even while sleeping.”

Recently, Abby woke up to a respiratory crisis and was taken to the hospital immediately, where tests revealed that she had “popcorn lung”.

She added, “They asked me if I vaped. They said I have a lot of air pockets in my lungs, which is what they call popcorn lung.”

of serious illness

• “Popcorn lung” is a rare type of lung disease caused by inflammation of the bronchi, the smallest air passages in the lungs, where scarring appears.

• Scientists believe that there may be a possible link between the disease and a chemical called diacetyl, but more research is needed to verify this link.

• Diacetyl is traditionally found in e-cigarette tobacco, but the substance is banned in Britain under the European Union’s Tobacco Products Directive 2016.

• In addition to toxic chemicals, severe respiratory infections and autoimmune diseases can also cause “popcorn lung”.

• Cancer Research UK says that no confirmed cases of “popcorn lung” have been reported in people who use e-cigarettes.

• People with this disease need lifelong care to control their symptoms, and they are advised to avoid polluted air, cigarette smoke, and contact with patients.

1 hour ago