Newport, Tennessee – Hannah Roth, a 30-year-old mother, never imagined that her daily vaping habit would wreak havoc on her lungs, leaving them in a state comparable to those of an 80-year-old.
A Startling Discovery
Hannah first realized something was wrong when she noticed a strange ‘popping’ sound while breathing. This alarming symptom appeared after four years of habitual vaping, a routine she picked up during the stressful pandemic lockdown. Initially, a way to cope with stress, her hourly vaping sessions soon became a dangerous addiction.
From Pandemic Habit to Health Crisis
Having never smoked before, Hannah turned to vaping as a ‘bad habit’ to manage pandemic-induced anxiety. Last month, she developed a severe fever of 104°F (40°C), which, coupled with the unusual sound in her lungs, prompted her to seek medical attention. The diagnosis was shocking: pneumonia caused by vaping.
Medical Warning and Diagnosis
Scans revealed that Hannah’s lungs resembled those of a long-term smoker or an elderly person. The doctor discarded her menthol vape and issued a dire warning: if she continued vaping, she would risk her life. “The doctor told me if I kept using the vapes, I wouldn’t be able to breathe. It was quite scary as a mother. I knew I couldn’t vape again as I’ve got two kids to take care of,” Hannah shared.
Understanding the Damage
Vaping involves inhaling oily substances from e-liquids, which can trigger severe inflammatory responses in the lungs, leading to conditions like pneumonia. Hannah’s case was initially misdiagnosed as the flu, but further tests revealed the true extent of the damage: her right lung showed signs of ‘tree budding,’ a form of lung deterioration usually seen in heavy smokers.
A Pledge to Quit for Her Children
Determined to be there for her seven and ten-year-old sons, Hannah has quit vaping entirely. “I’ve been vape-free ever since I went to the hospital, and my lungs aren’t making the popping sound anymore,” she explained. Her doctor assured her that if she stays off vapes, her lungs have a chance to heal.
A Cautionary Tale
Hannah’s story is a stark reminder of the hidden dangers of vaping. “My advice would be just don’t vape, don’t pick it up and hit it. Even if you think you have control over it, sometimes you just don’t,” she cautions others.
Her experience underscores the importance of understanding the potential health risks associated with vaping, particularly as it becomes more prevalent among young adults seeking stress relief.
