Shocking comparison shows impact potentially fatal popcorn lung has on body

The physical effects of popcorn lung on the human body have been illustrated in a shocking scan comparison.

According to Cancer Research UK, popcorn lung (official name: bronchiolitis obliterans) is an uncommon type of lung disease caused by a scar tissue buildup, blocking airflow.

Scientists became aware of the phenomenon around 25 years ago after a load of microwave popcorn factory workers came down with the condition in the US, which gave rise to the name itself.

Due to the shared presence of diacetyl in both popcorn and some vaping liquids (not anymore, mind), e-cigarettes have become inaccurately synonymous with popcorn lung even though there's never been a confirmed link between them.

In a YouTube Short, a healthy pair of lungs are slapped beside a pair potentially suffering from diacetyl overexposure.

An x-ray showing the damage done by 'popcorn lung' (CBS)

The clip's narrator reveals: "Inhaling chemicals can cause inflammation of the lungs known as chemical pneumonitis, leading to breathing difficulties and other symptoms.

"Seek immediate medical attention if you suspect chemical inhalation."

As you can see, the left-sided image - most likely a CT scan as chest X-rays are unreliable when diagnosing popcorn lung - depicts a speckled mess across the body's natural breathing apparatus, almost like a rash.

Popcorn lung is irreversible, with symptoms including a persistent dry cough, shortness of breath, wheezing, and fatigue.

This comes after a mum was warned about the dangers of popcorn lung after her daughter was rushed to hospital struggling to breathe.

The mum got a call from her 17-year-old daughter, who could barely speak over the phone, trying to tell her that she couldn't catch her breath.

As it turned out, the teen had been secretly vaping for the past three years and doctors diagnosed her with popcorn lung - identifying it as the cause behind these breathing issues.

There are multiple symptoms that can alert you to the lung damage before it gets serious, but many of them are mistaken for short-term illnesses instead.

Be on the lookout for:

• Coughing, especially during and after exercise. Coughs may sometimes bring up mucus.
• Shortness of breath (dyspnea), especially during and after exercise.
• Wheezing.
• Tiredness.
• Fever.
• Night sweats.
• Skin rash

Unfortunately, once you're in the popcorn lung game, there's no going back as it will follow you for the rest of your life.

Treatment and therapies can only slow down the damage done to a person's lungs, but a cure does not exist.