When 23-year-old Hudson Williams from Texas started vaping in 2019, he thought it was a safer alternative to smoking cigarettes. Like many, he made the switch believing it would reduce harm — but six years later, that assumption was challenged in the most painful way.
In late August, Hudson was rushed to the hospital after experiencing sudden and severe chest pain that, in his words, “felt like being shot in the chest.” Doctors soon discovered that his lung had partially collapsed, a condition known medically as pneumothorax.
What Happened to Hudson Williams?
Hudson had been vaping heavily — “every ten seconds,” he admitted — and would finish two to three disposable vapes a month. While sitting in his work truck one morning, he suddenly felt what he thought was heartburn, but within minutes, the pain became unbearable and spread to his neck, shoulder, and back.
Hudson vaped for six years (Kennedy News and Media)
At the hospital, scans showed that his lung had collapsed by around 10 percent. Fortunately, it didn’t require surgery, but doctors warned him that another collapse could happen again, even if he stopped vaping immediately.
“I quit vaping as soon as this happened,” Hudson said. “It was 100% the wake-up call I needed. It’s a nasty habit and really hard to quit — but it’s possible.”
Can Vaping Cause a Collapsed Lung?
While there’s ongoing research about the long-term effects of vaping, several studies suggest potential lung damage and inflammation from certain ingredients in e-liquids.
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), e-cigarette or vaping-associated lung injury (EVALI) can occur when substances such as vitamin E acetate or other additives are inhaled (CDC, 2024).
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Hudson was in a bad way (Kennedy News and Media)
The National Institutes of Health (NIH) also reports that vaping may alter the structure of lung tissue and impair its ability to repair itself (NIH, 2023). This can increase the risk of pneumothorax in people with pre-existing lung issues or those who vape frequently.
Health Experts on the Risks
According to Harvard Health, vaping is not a risk-free alternative to smoking. The aerosol may contain nicotine, ultrafine particles, and toxic chemicals that can harm lung cells and blood vessels over time (Harvard Health, 2023).
Similarly, the World Health Organization (WHO) warns that e-cigarettes can deliver addictive nicotine and other harmful substances that may lead to respiratory and cardiovascular issues (WHO, 2024).
While more research is needed to fully understand the connection between vaping and lung collapse, experts recommend minimizing or avoiding vaping altogether — especially for young, otherwise healthy individuals.
Why Quitting Is So Difficult — and How to Start
Hudson’s story highlights how addictive vaping can be, even for those who initially start it to quit smoking. Nicotine dependence can form quickly, leading to frequent use and strong cravings.
If you’re trying to quit, the American Lung Association suggests the following steps:
- Set a quit date and tell your friends or family for support.
- Identify triggers (stress, social settings, boredom).
- Replace the habit with physical activity, deep breathing, or gum.
- Seek professional help — nicotine replacement therapy or counseling can increase success rates.
- Use quit-smoking apps that track progress and send motivational reminders.
You can visit lung.org/quit-smoking for more personalized guidance.
The Bigger Picture: What Hudson Wants Others to Know
Hudson’s story isn’t about blame — it’s about awareness. He admits he ignored warnings he saw online about vaping-related health issues. Now, after facing a potentially life-threatening situation, he’s determined to share his experience to prevent others from making the same mistake.
“I would say to anyone — don’t vape. It’s not cool. It’s hard to quit, but it’s definitely worth it,” he said.
Related on Viralsensei.com
- Teens Are Ditching Vapes for These Surprising Alternatives
- How Nicotine Affects Your Brain and Mood
- Why Lung Health Matters More Than Ever in 2025
- Study: Social Media’s Role in Normalizing Vaping Among Youth
- What Happens to Your Body When You Quit Smoking
External Sources
- CDC – E-Cigarette or Vaping Lung Injury
- NIH – The Science Behind Vaping and Lung Damage
- Harvard Health – The Truth About E-Cigarettes
- WHO – Electronic Nicotine Delivery Systems
- American Lung Association – Quit Smoking Resources
