Symptoms of popcorn lung (bronchiolitis obliterans) include:
- Persistent dry cough, often worsening over time and not improving with usual treatments
- Shortness of breath, especially during or after physical activity or exercise
- Wheezing or noisy breathing without asthma or cold
- Fatigue and unexplained tiredness
- Chest tightness or discomfort
- Occasional low-grade fever and night sweats
- In some cases, coughing up mucus, especially during or after exertion
Symptoms typically develop gradually over weeks to months after exposure to harmful chemicals (like diacetyl found in some flavorings and e-cigarettes), respiratory infections, or other triggers
. They can mimic other lung diseases such as chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) and may worsen progressively if untreated
. In infants, additional signs may include rapid breathing, blue lips or fingernails, difficulty feeding, and delayed development
. Because popcorn lung causes inflammation and scarring in the smallest airways of the lungs, these symptoms reflect impaired airflow and lung function
