Vaping horror: UK teen’s lungs collapse after smoking equivalent of 400 cigarettes a week

New Delhi: The vaping culture is increasing at a rapid pace among youngsters. India has witnessed a concerning spike in teenage vaping in recent years, the condition is such that it is closely intertwined with the prevalence of asthma among adolescents. Recently a 17-year-old girl in the United Kingdom was rushed to the hospital after a hole burst in her lung after she reportedly vaped the equivalent of 400 cigarettes a week.

According to reports of Metro, the incident took place on May 11, when the girl named Kyla Blythe collapsed and turned ‘blue’ during a sleepover at a friend’s house. The report further noted that her lungs collapsed due to excessive vaping that had burst a small air blister commonly known as a pulmonary bleb on her lungs.

Following this she had to undergo a five-and-a-half-hour surgery to remove a part of her lungs. The girl started vaping at the age of 15 after seeing her peers do it. Her family members noted that she thought it harmless and had been inhaling an entire 4,000-puff vape each week. However, the latest ordeal has left the victim terrified.

How harmful are vapes?

According to Action on Smoking and Health (ASH), the popularity of vapes is increasing fast among children, with the number noted that they have tried about doubling to about 20 per cent in 2023. In an alarming trend, children below 5 years are also getting addicted to vaping and are ending up in hospitals due to collapsed lungs.

Impact of vape on body organs

Apart from the lungs, vaping can also stunt brain growth in teenagers due to toxic chemicals such as lead and uranium found inside them. According to the Cleveland Clinic, along with the lungs, the nicotine and other toxic chemicals in e-liquid form can hurt the heart and brain.

We know nicotine can hurt brain growth, increase your blood pressure and narrow your arteries.