A chilling story out of Nevada has hit the headlines across the globe, showing just how lethal vaping can really be, especially for teenagers.
Brianne Cullen, a 17-year-old cheerleader, was living the normal teen existence. She was healthy, full of energy, and a member of her school’s cheerleading team. But that all came to an end when she was suddenly rushed to the hospital after having trouble breathing during practice.
Doctors informed Brianne that she had a very severe and rare lung disease known as Popcorn Lung (which has a more scientific name, bronchiolitis obliterans). The disease impacts the smallest airways in the lungs, causing scarring and blocking them off, making it difficult to breathe.
Popcorn Lung received its name years ago when popcorn factory workers contracted this lung illness after inhaling toxic chemicals in butter flavoring (diacetyl).
Alarming to note is that the same or similar deadly chemicals can be contained in most vape products, specifically flavored vapes among youth.
Brianne started vaping illegally behind her parents ‘ backs when she was 14. Like many of her peers, she started vaping as a coping mechanism for stress and anxiety, especially the loneliness of the lockdown during the COVID-19 pandemic.
Unfortunately, what started out as a habit soon turned into a fatal habit. She went on to vape regularly for the next three years without realizing the extreme harm that it was doing to her lungs.
Her mother, Christine Martin, had no idea Brianne was vaping until the health ordeal brought everything out into the light.
Brianne’s life completely changed. She now struggles with:
• Persistent shortness of breath
• Wheezing and coughing
• Fatigue and lack of energy
• Being dependent on an inhaler every day just to breathe
• Doctor visits and breathing therapy
Unfortunately, Popcorn Lung is incurable. Damage to her lungs is permanent.
Her physicians inform her that she might not experience worsening of her condition if she avoids all irritants to her lungs, but she will most likely continue to have respiratory issues.
Christine Martin is heartbroken but determined to make their ordeal a warning to other parents.
She now freely discusses her daughter’s ordeal to alert other parents and adolescents to the hazards of vaping hidden beneath the surface.
“If I had known this was possible, I would have talked more openly with Brianne. Parents need to understand that vaping is not safe. It’s made to look harmless — but the damage it can do is very real and very scary.”
Doctors caution that vaping is especially dangerous for developing young lungs. Flavored vapes are delicious, but they often contain poisonous chemicals that can leave lung tissue permanently scarred.
Most teens believe vaping is safer than smoking — but stories like Brianne’s make it obvious that’s far from the case.
Brianne’s story is a heartbreaking reminder that vaping is not just “harmless fun.” It can lead to lifelong health problems — even for young, active, and healthy teenagers.
Her words are short but potent:
“If I could turn back time, I would never have vaped.”
