A Smoker’s Near-Death Experience Due to Vaping

A woman who switched from cigarettes to vapes in an attempt to be ‘healthier’ has shared her harrowing experience of almost dying after the devices triggered a rare lung condition.

Zoe Shackleford, 29, from Strasburg, Virginia, began smoking at 18 but transitioned to e-cigarettes after about four years, believing they would be a better option. Vapes are often marketed as less harmful than traditional cigarettes, and many people use them to help quit smoking.

For nearly eight years, Zoe used refillable vaping devices. However, last month, she decided to switch to disposable vapes for convenience—a choice that nearly cost her life.

While refillable and disposable vapes may seem alike, they have significant differences. Refillable vapes typically contain more regulated e-liquids from specialty stores or online, while disposable vapes can contain unlisted chemicals. They might include synthetic nicotine or high levels of sweeteners, artificial flavors, and heavy metals.

Additionally, refillable devices often use stainless steel or ceramic heating elements, whereas disposable ones commonly use cheaper metals like nickel and chromium, which can seep into the vapor.

After consuming three disposable vapes—one of which can be equivalent to several packs of cigarettes—Zoe noticed her health rapidly decline. What she initially thought was a mild cold quickly escalated.

“I thought it was from swimming,” she recalled. “I had a sore throat. I didn’t think much of it.” Yet, within 48 hours, her breathing became extraordinarily labored, even during simple tasks like changing clothes or going to the bathroom.

Zoe soon found herself completely breathless, even while talking, which made her realize something was gravely wrong.

On August 17, she was rushed to the hospital where doctors found her airways functioning at only 50 percent. “When I was first admitted, it was completely closing off,” she explained. “They said if I hadn’t come that night, I probably wouldn’t have made it.”

Despite tests for pneumonia, bronchitis, and sepsis coming back negative, her condition did not improve, leading to frustration among the medical team. “They didn’t know how to treat me,” she said, as continued treatments failed to yield results.

After nine days in the hospital on supplemental oxygen, steroids, and antibiotics, Zoe was referred to a lung specialist. Following an evaluation, she was diagnosed with hypersensitivity pneumonitis, a rare inflammatory lung disease triggered by inhaling certain substances.

“He said he hadn’t seen this in two years,” Zoe mentioned, clarifying that a chemical in her vape was causing a negative reaction that closed off her airways. HP can lead to severe inflammation in the lungs, and without timely intervention, it could result in permanent scarring.

Though it’s uncommon—affecting one to three people per 100,000 annually—it is documented among those exposed to environmental irritants. Situations such as ‘farmer’s lung’ and ‘bird fancier’s lung’ are well-known examples, demonstrating the risk of this condition.

Now back home and on asthma medication, Zoe feels much better, noting, “I’m not losing my breath as much.” However, the transition away from vaping and smoking hasn’t been easy. “I do miss it,” she admitted, “but I think I miss the motion more.” She also mentioned snacking more since quitting.

Zoe is adamant that no craving is worth the risk she faced. “If you can stop, do it. That was one of the scariest experiences of my life. Honestly, it’s not worth it. You only get one life.” Her decision to quit has also saved her some money—she previously spent $25 on a disposable vape every ten days.

Recent studies highlight rising concerns about vaping, especially disposable vapes, which are being linked to higher releases of toxic metals compared to traditional cigarettes. One study revealed that one disposable vape could emit more lead in a single day than 20 packs of cigarettes. These heavy metals pose significant health risks, including cancer and lung damage.

Despite these findings, vaping’s popularity continues to soar, particularly among the youth. As of 2024, a noticeable percentage of middle and high school students reported vaping in the previous month, indicating a troubling trend in nicotine consumption.

Zoe’s experience serves as a cautionary tale, urging others not to underestimate the potential dangers of vaping. “I was surprised it was the vaping,” she reflected on her situation. “You hear stories about others until it happens to you.” She emphasizes the importance of awareness, stating, “It’s not worth it.”