Young Mother’s Vaping Habit Leads to Severe Lung Damage

A young mother from Ocala, Florida, suffered a serious health crisis after her vaping habit spiraled out of control, leading to her lungs becoming clogged with toxic oil. Cloey Eyes, aged 25, reported that she had been vaping up to 300 times a day, a practice that culminated in a medical emergency she initially feared was a heart attack.

After two years of constant vaping, Eyes experienced acute chest pain one night in July 2023. “I woke up at 2:30 a.m. and my chest felt like it was having a heart attack,” she recalled. The emergency department visit revealed a diagnosis of bronchiolitis obliterans, commonly known as “popcorn lung,” a rare condition caused by inflammation and scarring of the smallest airways in the lungs.

According to the Cleveland Clinic, individuals regularly exposed to airborne toxins are at a higher risk of developing this condition. The use of certain chemicals in manufacturing, particularly diacetyl, often found in flavored vapes, can lead to serious lung damage.

After her scans, doctors discovered an oily substance accumulating in Eyes’ lungs, attributed to the fluid she inhaled from vaping. “It was scary to hear this,” Eyes explained. “It’s the oil from the vape…thickening up as you breathe it in and attaching itself to your lungs.”

Health Risks of Vaping

Eyes’ experience highlights the dangerous implications of vaping, particularly for young adults. She began using vape devices to quit smoking cigarettes, believing it to be a safer alternative. However, her addiction grew, and she often finished a 5,000-puff device in just two weeks. Despite knowing that vaping was not entirely safe, she felt it was a better choice than smoking.

Medical experts warn that vaping can lead to severe conditions, including lipoid pneumonia, which results from inhaling oily substances, causing inflammation and lung damage. Dr. Stephen Broderick, a lung cancer surgeon at Johns Hopkins University, stated, “There isn’t a good treatment for lipoid pneumonia, other than supportive care, while the lungs heal on their own.”

Symptoms of popcorn lung can include persistent coughing, shortness of breath, and fatigue. Although Eyes received antibiotics and inhalers for her condition, doctors informed her that it could take up to a year for her lungs to recover fully.

Community Impact and Awareness

Since her story gained attention, other individuals have come forward reporting similar health issues linked to vaping. While vaping is often perceived as a less harmful alternative to smoking, studies indicate that approximately one in 20 Americans engage in this habit, with the highest prevalence among young adults aged 21 to 24.

Eyes has since quit vaping entirely. “I went cold turkey and quit vaping,” she stated. “I feel 10 times better now…I would tell people to put the vape down, especially if you’re a parent.”

She emphasized the long-term risks associated with vaping, reflecting on her near brush with death. “Even if you don’t go through the pain, the amount of chemicals going through your lungs is probably knocking about 10 years off your life,” she said.

The alarming case of Cloey Eyes serves as a crucial reminder of the hidden dangers of vaping, particularly among young populations. As health concerns continue to rise, it is essential for individuals to be informed about the potential risks and to make healthier choices for their well-being.