Bronchiolitis obliterans

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Bronchiolitis obliterans
Classification & external resources

DiseasesDB	1704
MeSH	D001989

Bronchiolitis obliterans is a disease of the lungs in which the bronchioles are plugged with granulation tissue. While it may occur as a manifestation of transplant rejection or as the result of exposure to toxic gases, bronchiolitis obliterans has been nicknamed "popcorn lung" or "popcorn workers' lung" due to onset of this disease from inhalation of airborne diacetyl — a butter flavoring used in popcorn and in many other food flavorings such as those used in candy and even potato chips.

Contents 1 Presentation 2 Diagnosis 3 Prognosis/treatment 4 See also 5 External links

[edit] Presentation

Bronchiolitis obliterans is a lung disease characterized by fixed airway obstruction. Inflammation and scarring occur in the airways of the lung, resulting in severe shortness of breath and dry cough.

[edit] Diagnosis

Bronchiolitis obliterans is often misdiagnosed as asthma, bronchitis, emphysema, or pneumonia. Chest X-rays and diffusing capacity of the lung (DLCO) are usually normal, but spirometry tests show fixed airway obstructions.

[edit] Prognosis/treatment

This disease is irreversible and severe cases often require a lung transplant.

[edit] See also

• Diacetyl
• Bronchiolitis obliterans organizing pneumonia

[edit] External links

• National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH) Alert: Preventing lung disease in workers who make or use flavorings

• Harber, Philip; Saechao, Kaochoy; & Boomus, Catherine. Diacetyl-induced lung disease. Toxicological Reviews 2006;vol 25(4):261-72.

• A Case of Regulatory Failure: Popcorn Workers' Lung, a case study from www.defendingscience.org

• Popcorn Workers Lung