Loyda Cordero Galiero, a 39-year-old woman from New York, thought she was improving her health when she quit smoking and switched to vaping. Within a year, she suddenly struggled to breathe and felt as if she was suffocating. She was rushed to hospital, where doctors warned that her condition was life-threatening.
Doctors found that vaping had severely damaged her lungs. Inflammation and fluid buildup caused parts of her lung to collapse, making it hard for them to expand and contract normally. Her lungs became so fragile that even small movements could cause further ruptures and dangerous internal bleeding.
Because of the damage, Galiero was told to stop vaping immediately. She could no longer exercise or do basic daily tasks. She was also warned not to lie flat, even when sleeping, as this could cause fluid to flood her lungs and lead to suffocation. For weeks, she had to sleep upright in a chair.
Doctors later diagnosed her with a serious lung condition caused by destroyed air sacs. She underwent surgery to remove damaged areas of her lungs and is now recovering in hospital. Her doctors said constant vaping likely put repeated pressure on her lungs, leading to the collapse.
Health experts say vaping is not harmless. While it may expose users to fewer toxins than cigarettes, heavy or frequent use can still cause serious lung injury. Many products are not approved by the Food and Drug Administration. Doctors stress that avoiding both smoking and vaping is the safest choice for long-term health.