Popcorn lung is a serious medical condition that may be caused by e-cigarettes, and that can cause a person to suffer a wide range of symptoms. If a person is not properly diagnosed with popcorn lung, the condition could cause a fatal injury. If you or a family member developed popcorn lung, you should consult with an experienced Philadelphia e-cigarette injury lawyer today. At the Reiff Law Firm, we understand how a diagnosis of popcorn lung can seriously impact your life, and we are to help you pursue the parties responsible for your injuries. The Reiff Law Firm is here to explain the signs and symptoms of popcorn lung.
Common Signs and Symptoms of Popcorn Lung
Popcorn lung, also referred to as obliterative bronchiolitis, is a dangerous medical condition that affects the tiny air sacs (bronchioles) of the lungs. There are a number of signs and symptoms that can indicate that a person has developed popcorn lung. For example, a person with popcorn lung will typically have scarring of the bronchioles that will make them harden and restrict the airways of the lungs. Other signs and symptoms of popcorn lung include:
- Frequent wheezing not similar to other conditions like asthma
- Shortness of breath or shallow breathing
- Unexplained exhaustion and issues with even mild physical activity
- Persistent skin irritation around the eyes, mouth, and nose when popcorn lung is the result of chemical interactions
- Dry cough
This is not an exhaustive list. There are other symptoms not listed here that a person with popcorn lung may experience. It is important to note that popcorn lung is irreversible. This means that while there may be some treatments that can alleviate the symptoms of popcorn lung, there is no way to cure the illness.
It is also important to know that the signs and symptoms of popcorn lung can begin to manifest as soon as two to eight weeks after being exposed to chemicals that can cause the disease. While it may take months of exposure for the condition to fully manifest, you should see a doctor immediately if you were an avid user of e-cigarette products or were exposed to other chemicals that can cause popcorn lung.
To learn more about popcorn lung and what causes the condition, you should continue reading and speak with an experienced Philadelphia e-cig injury lawyer.
How Do E-Cigs Cause Popcorn Lung?
Recent studies have shown that electronic cigarettes (e-cig) like JUULs have played a significant role in the development of popcorn lung among unsuspecting consumers. This is because many forms of flavored e-cigarettes contained chemicals that were not meant to be inhaled directly. However, as e-cigs are relatively new, the regulations against them were not as stringent as they should have been.
One chemical that is often used as an ingredient in e-cigs is diacetyl. Diacetyl was formerly used to flavor a number of consumer items like popcorn, caramel, and other dairy products. However, it was later discovered that workers who inhaled the substance were developing popcorn lung at a remarkable rate. As a result, companies that utilized diacetyl stopped using the substance to flavor their food products.
Despite the history of diacetyl, e-cigarette companies like JUUL and others utilized the chemical when selling flavored brands of e-cigarettes. Many consumers were unaware that their mint flavored JUUL contained a substance that could cause them to develop popcorn lung until it was too late.
Filing a Personal Injury Lawsuit for Popcorn Lung in Pennsylvania
If you wish to file a personal injury lawsuit in Pennsylvania because you developed popcorn lung, you should not waste any time. There are a number of studies that are being conducted that are indicating that flavored e-cigs may play a role in a person developing popcorn lung, cancer, and other serious illnesses.
Personal injury lawsuits are subject to the statute of limitations. As a result, a lawsuit must be filed within a two-year timeframe in Pennsylvania if you wish to pursue an e-cigarette company for injuries that you suffered. The two-year deadline begins to run from the day that you discover the injury. Additionally, it may be possible to file other types of lawsuits, like a product liability lawsuit.
Our firm can evaluate the facts of your case and help you determine an appropriate course of action so that you can pursue the compensation you need to treat your popcorn lung and any other injuries sustained due to vaping or smoking e-cigarettes.
Our Philadelphia Personal Injury Attorneys are Here to Fight for You
If you or a family member developed popcorn lung due to using a JUUL or other electronic cigarette, consult with an experienced Philadelphia personal injury lawyer today. The injury lawyers at the Reiff Law Firm possess decades of combined legal experience, and we would be honored to use our knowledge to fight for you. To schedule a free legal consultation to discuss your case, contact the Reiff Law Firm at (215) 709-6940, or contact us online.