Bronchiolitis Obliterans - Popcorn Worker Diacetyl Lung Injury Disease Explained

What is bronchiolitis obliterans?

The disease associated with inhaling butter flavoring vapors has been identified as bronchiolitis obliterans -- literally, an obliteration of the lung's airways. Breathing tests can identify difficulty in moving air in and out of the lungs, called lung obstruction. In the case of bronchiolitis obliterans, that obstruction is "fixed," meaning it doesn't respond to normal asthma medications.

The disease is similar to emphysema, which can be caused by smoking. However, bronchiolitis obliterans patients typically have normal oxygen exchange in their lungs, while emphysema patients do not.

A biopsy of lung tissue helps prove that a patient has the disease, but many doctors stop short of that procedure because it is very invasive. The exact cause of the disease in this case is unknown. Scientists theorize that the airborne flavoring chemicals damage the airway lining, and then tissue then scars and hardens, crimping airflow.

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Frequently Asked Questions
Questions & Answers about "Popcorn Lung" workers injuries

"Popcorn Lung"
The disease explained in detail

Attorney Contact
Contact a lawyer at Lieff Cabraser about your popcorn lung injury case

Government Documents
Read U.S. Gov't information on the "popcorn lung" disease

Union Petition for Standards on Diacetyl
NIOSH Publication on improving health condition for "popcorn lung" workers

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