Mild Pulmonary Hypertension Is Associated With Increased Mortality: A Systematic Review and Meta‐Analysis

Signs And Symptoms Of Popcorn Lung

Bronchiolitis obliterans, commonly known as "popcorn lung," is a rare lung disease that happens when the smallest airways in your lungs (called bronchioles) become irreversibly inflamed and scarred. Damage to the bronchioles disrupts normal airflow in and out of your lungs, leading to symptoms like shortness of breath, a dry cough, and wheezing. These symptoms often get worse with exercise or physical activities. 

Symptoms of popcorn lung develop gradually over weeks or months as the airways narrow and reduce oxygen supply to the lungs. Over time, inflammation and scarring of the bronchioles can worsen, making breathing increasingly difficult and affecting your day-to-day life. Early diagnosis and treatment of popcorn lung can help slow the progression of the disease and may ease the severity of your symptoms.

A chronic, persistent dry cough is one of the most common symptoms of popcorn lung. Coughs that last for eight weeks or less are usually a symptom of a respiratory infection (e.G., the common cold) and go away after some time. A popcorn lung cough is ongoing and may worsen over time or when you exercise or engage in physically demanding activities, such as yard work. Shortness of breath is a hallmark symptom of popcorn lung. You may notice you are out of breath or have difficulty breathing during exercise or everyday tasks like climbing stairs or walking. While shortness of breath may be subtle at first, it can worsen as your condition progresses. Eventually, you may also notice a feeling of "air hunger," which occurs when you can't take a deep breath even when resting. Wheezing is a high-pitched whistling sound from your airways that can happen while you breathe. It's most common to hear wheezing when you exhale, but it can also occur during inhalation and may worsen with physical activity. With popcorn lung, wheezing is a sign of inflammation, swelling, and mucus build-up in the bronchioles. Fatigue is a lack of energy and tiredness that persists even when you get enough rest. Popcorn lung causes your body to work harder to breathe. Damage to the bronchioles can mean your body and brain aren't getting enough oxygen to function properly, which can also contribute to exhaustion. With fatigue, it's common to experience weakness, brain fog, and irritability. People who develop popcorn lung due to exposure to certain chemical toxins, such as diacetyl (a chemical used in food flavorings) may develop skin irritation or a skin rash. The affected skin may appear red, feel warm, be itchy, or have bumps that form into blisters—depending on the severity of the rash. While adults more commonly develop popcorn lung due to exposure to toxins or underlying rheumatic diseases (e.G., rheumatoid arthritis), children can sometimes develop the condition as a complication of a severe respiratory infection, such as pneumonia or respiratory syncytial virus (RSV). This condition is known as post-infectious bronchiolitis obliterans. Symptoms of popcorn lung in children are similar to those in adults and may include: Chronic cough  Wheezing Rapid breathing Fatigue Cyanosis (bluish-colored fingernails, skin, or lips) Popcorn lung is a serious respiratory (lung-related) condition. If you have any persistent symptoms of popcorn lung such as a chronic cough, shortness of breath, wheezing, or fatigue that doesn't go away with rest, it's essential to see your healthcare provider as soon as possible. In some cases, popcorn lung can cause more severe symptoms. Seek emergency medical care or call 911 if you or a loved one develop any of the following symptoms: Chest pain Rapid breathing Fever Sweating Fast or irregular heartbeat  Difficulty talking or breathing Confusion or disorientation  Slurred speech  Loss of consciousness  Bronchiolitis obliterans, or "popcorn lung," causes scarring and narrowing of the smallest airways leading to your lungs (bronchioles). The damage to the lungs with this condition cannot be reversed. Symptoms include chronic cough, shortness of breath, wheezing, and fatigue, which may worsen with exercise. Popcorn lung is a chronic, progressive disease and symptoms can worsen over time. Early diagnosis and treatment can help slow disease progression and reduce symptoms.

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Drinking White Wine 'keeps Lungs Healthy'

Red wine is good for your heart, but white wine could be the key to healthy lungs, a study reveals.

Scientists have found that wine drinkers - particularly those who prefer white wine - have healthier lungs than people who drink beer or spirits or no alcohol at all.

They believe white wine contains nutrients that 'mop up' toxins in the blood and may also reduce inflammation in the airways, thus protecting the lungs.

Scientists at the University of Buffalo studied 1,555 randomly selected people in New York.

Volunteers were asked about their alcohol consumption - both past and present - and lifestyle habits, including diet, before undergoing lung function tests.

Wine-drinkers had the healthiest lungs, with white wine having the most significant effect.

Wine contains antioxidants which experts say can block the effect of free radicals.

Evidence suggests that lung disease could be linked to a diet low in vitamins and antioxidants.

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Michigan Chef Dies Of Rare Fungal Infection That 'ravaged' His Lungs

A 29-year-old Michigan chef died last week after battling a rare fungal disease that ravaged his lungs.

Sometime before Thanksgiving, Ian Pritchard contracted blastomycosis, a fungus-borne illness that targeted and wore out his respiratory system.

"They showed us a picture of his lungs, and they literally looked like Swiss cheese," his father, Ron Pritchard, told UpNorthLive in December.

Pritchard was taken off life support Saturday at a Detroit hospital, according to a GoFundMe page that raised almost $20,000 for his family.

"The Blastomycosis fungal infection ravaged Ian's lungs beyond repair," the page read.

A Michigan chef died last week after contracting a rare fungus-borne illness. Ian Pritchard/Facebook

In people with weakened immune systems, the infection will spread from the lungs to the central nervous system along with the skin and joints, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

Research from 2005 found that between 4% and 22% of infected people die from blastomycosis.

People contract the illness by breathing in spores of the fungus blastomyces, which live in moist soil and decaying wood and leaves found in the Midwest and the South.

"It's in the air, it's in the trees, it's in the wet leaves, it's in the ground, it's in the mud, it's in, everywhere. Everywhere in northern Michigan — in fact, the Midwest — is covered in [blastomyces]," Pritchard warned.

The infection typically develops within two to 15 weeks.

About half of patients will suffer symptoms such as fever, cough, shortness of breath, and muscle aches.

While there is no cure, the illness is treated with antifungal medications like Itraconazole — Pritchard said his son's medications cost about $7,000 monthly.

Ian Pritchard had been hospitalized for weeks. Ian Pritchard/Facebook

Now, the Pritchard family is in shock over their sudden loss.

"He was a good kid. He didn't get in very much trouble, he was no trouble to raise," the grieving father added. "People love his food, people love him."

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