E-Cigarettes and Fixed Airway Obstruction

Lawsuits have been filed against the makers of e-cigarette liquids that contain toxic flavoring chemicals linked to obstructive airway diseases.

Need a Texas E-Cigarette Lung Disease Lawyer? Collen A. Clark is a true advocate for his clients and is passionate about helping Texans that have been injured or wronged. If you or a loved one was diagnosed with fixed airway obstruction, you should contact our lawyers immediately. You may be entitled to compensation by filing a lawsuit in Texas.

What is Fixed Airway Obstruction?

Fixed airway obstruction is an airflow blockage in the lungs that makes it hard to breathe, especially during increased physical activity. After breathing out, an abnormal amount of air may remain in the lungs. Lower airway obstruction also constricts the smallest air passages of the lungs (bronchioles), which reduces the amount of oxygen that gets into the body.

Types of Obstructive Lung Diseases

• Popcorn Lung
• Asthma
• Chronic bronchitis
• Bronchiolitis obliterans
• Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD)
• And more

E-Cigarettes and Obstructive Airway Diseases

In the early 2000s, hundreds of workers at microwave popcorn factories were diagnosed with obstructive airway diseases after routinely breathing diacetyl in butter-flavoring.

The workers were diagnosed with bronchiolitis obliterans, nicknamed “Popcorn Lung,” an obstructive airway disease that inflames and narrows the smallest air-sacs in the lungs. It is incurable and can be fatal.

Studies Find Diacetyl in Many E-Cigarette Liquids

In addition to butter flavoring, diacetyl is often an ingredient in e-cigarette flavors like candy, fruit, or alcohol, which may appeal to children. Several recent studies have concluded that most flavored e-cigarette liquids contain high-risk flavor chemicals:

• In December 2015, researchers at the Harvard School of Public Health published an analysis of 51 flavors and found diacetyl in 76% of products.
• In June 2014, researchers analyzed 159 flavored e-cigarettes and found diacetyl or 2,3-pentanedione in 74% of products.

What is COPD?

Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD) is a lung disease that involves chronic bronchitis (lung inflammation) and emphysema (lung damage). Breathing toxic substances like pollution, smoking, or gases is the main cause of COPD.

Diagnosis

Most people with lung diseases seek medical attention for shortness of breath and/or coughing. Obstructive lung disease is diagnosed with a test called spirometry, in which a person blows into a machine that analyzes airflow and volume in the lungs.

Symptoms

• Cough
• Shortness of breath that gets worse with activity
• Breathlessness
• Wheezing
• Fatigue
• Lung infections
• Low fever

Need an E-Cigarette Lawyer in Texas?

Collen A. Clark is a true advocate for his clients and is passionate about helping Texans that have been injured or wronged.

Collen’s amazing success in the courtroom and well known dedication to his clients has earned him the recognition of his peers as one of The Top Trial Lawyers in Texas.”

The Clark Firm has assembled a team of trial lawyers with more than 100 years experience, participation in over 600 jury trials and $260 million in verdicts and/or settlements. Please use the form below to contact our Texas E-cigarette lawyers for a free lawsuit review.