Medical Bulletin 15/ April/ 2025 - Video

A 17-year-old girl from Nevada has been diagnosed with a rare and irreversible lung disease known as popcorn lung, after secretly vaping for three years to cope with anxiety during the COVID-19 lockdown.

Brianne, who began using disposable vapes at the age of 14, was hospitalized after she suddenly struggled to breathe and suffered panic attacks. Her mother, Christie Martin, rushed her to the emergency room—only to receive a shocking diagnosis: bronchiolitis obliterans, commonly known as popcorn lung.

“She called me and said she couldn’t catch her breath,” said Christie. “It was terrifying. I never imagined it would be something this serious—or permanent.”

What is Popcorn Lung?

Popcorn lung is a serious and irreversible condition that leads to inflammation and scarring of the lung’s smallest airways, known as bronchioles. This damage restricts airflow and makes breathing increasingly difficult.

The disease earned its nickname after cases emerged among workers in a microwave popcorn factory who were exposed to diacetyl, a buttery-flavored chemical used in popcorn flavoring. Diacetyl has since been detected in many vaping products, along with other harmful substances like ammonia, chlorine, formaldehyde, and metal fumes—all of which can contribute to lung damage.

Symptoms and Long-Term Impact

Though rare, bronchiolitis obliterans can develop without obvious symptoms early on. When present, symptoms often include:

• Chronic coughing

• Shortness of breath, especially after physical activity

• Wheezing

• Fatigue

• Fever or night sweats

• Skin rashes

Doctors warn the condition is not reversible, but early detection can help manage symptoms. In Brianne’s case, her diagnosis came early enough that doctors are optimistic about her recovery—but caution that long-term effects, including cancer, could still arise.

“They told me it’s permanent,” Christie said. “She may recover, but the damage is done. It’s something she’ll have to live with for the rest of her life.”

Treatment options focus on symptom relief and preventing further lung damage. These may include: Corticosteroids to reduce inflammation, Inhalers (e.g., albuterol) to aid breathing, Oxygen therapy, In severe cases, lung transplantation

Patients are also advised to avoid air pollution, cigarette smoke, and exposure to infections.

Christie is now speaking out, urging parents to pay close attention to their children’s mental health and habits. “We had no idea she was vaping—it was her way of coping with anxiety. Now she has a lifelong condition because of it.” She continued, “If this can happen to my daughter, it can happen to anyone’s. Parents need to ask questions, talk to their kids, and know what’s really going on.”

A new study from Michigan State University has sparked important conversations around food safety and nutrition, revealing that brown rice—often praised for its health benefits—contains higher levels of arsenic than white rice, raising potential health concerns, particularly for young children. Findings are published in the journal Risk Analysis. The study compared arsenic exposure from brown and white rice among American populations. It found that brown rice contains more total and inorganic arsenic, a toxic substance linked to long-term health risks when consumed in high quantities over time.

Brown rice is widely seen as a healthier alternative to white rice due to its higher fiber, protein, and nutrient content. However, it also retains the outer layers of the grain, where arsenic accumulates most. Researchers found that brown rice had 48% inorganic arsenic, compared to 33% in white rice for U.S.-grown rice. Globally, the figures rose to 65% for brown rice and 53% for white rice.

The study highlights that rice absorbs up to 10 times more arsenic than other cereal grains because it is often cultivated in flooded paddies, which increase arsenic uptake from the soil.

While the general American population is not at major risk, the study found that infants and children under 5 could face health risks from brown rice consumption due to their smaller body weights and higher relative food intake. Other vulnerable groups include Asian immigrant populations and those experiencing food insecurity who may rely more heavily on rice-based diets.

“This research is important because it acknowledges the importance of considering food safety along with nutrition when consumers make choices about food,” said senior investigator Dr. Felicia Wu, a professor at MSU’s College of Agriculture and Natural Resources.

Wu and lead author Dr. Christian Scott emphasized that while brown rice carries higher arsenic levels, it still provides key nutrients that white rice lacks. They call for more research to evaluate whether the nutritional benefits of brown rice may offset the arsenic exposure.

“This exposure assessment is only one side of the equation,” said Wu. “We’re not saying brown rice is unhealthy—just that consumers should be informed.”

Reference: Scott, C. K., & Wu, F. (2025). Arsenic content and exposure in brown rice compared to white rice in the United States. Risk Analysis, 1–14. https://doi.org/10.1111/risa.70008

A new study has found that older women who followed a reduced-calorie Mediterranean diet combined with regular physical activity for three years significantly improved their bone density, particularly in the lower back. The research, published in JAMA Network Open, highlights a promising approach to preventing age-related bone deterioration—especially during weight loss.

Researchers focused on 924 adults aged 55 to 75 with metabolic syndrome and overweight or obesity. It was part of the larger PREDIMED-Plus trial, a major lifestyle intervention project conducted across 23 medical centers in Spain.

Half of the participants followed a traditional Mediterranean diet with no calorie restriction or exercise requirements. The other half followed a modified plan:

• 30% reduced-calorie Mediterranean diet

• Daily walking for 45 minutes (6 days/week)

• Strength, flexibility, and balance exercises (3 days/week)

“This is the first study to show that combining a calorie-restricted Mediterranean diet with exercise can actually prevent bone loss in older women—even while they’re losing weight,” said coauthor Jesús Francisco García-Gavilán, senior biostatistician at Rovira i Virgili University.

This new research shows that the quality of the diet matters just as much as calories burned or consumed.

The Mediterranean diet is widely celebrated for its heart and brain benefits, and this study now connects it to bone health.

Key components include:

• Plant-based foods: fruits, vegetables, whole grains, legumes, seeds

• Healthy fats: especially extra-virgin olive oil

• Low intake of red meat, butter, sugar, and refined foods

• Moderate portions of dairy, poultry, and eggs

• Frequent oily fish, rich in omega-3s

These foods are high in calcium, magnesium, vitamin D, antioxidants, and anti-inflammatory fats, all essential for maintaining strong bones.

“Together, these nutrients can lower the risk of bone loss and support bone maintenance, especially as we age,” García-Gavilán said.

This research suggests that for older women, losing weight doesn’t have to come at the cost of bone health. With the right combination of a nutrient-rich Mediterranean diet and consistent physical activity, stronger bones and sustainable weight loss can go hand-in-hand.

Reference: Vázquez-Lorente H, García-Gavilán JF, Shyam S, et al. Mediterranean Diet, Physical Activity, and Bone Health in Older Adults: A Secondary Analysis of a Randomized Clinical Trial. JAMA Netw Open. 2025;8(4):e253710. doi:10.1001/jamanetworkopen.2025.3710