A 24-year-old man who vaped for nearly a decade is warning others after a terrifying medical emergency left him hospitalized with a collapsed lung.
From a Teen Habit to a Health Crisis
Raymond Dehn, from Buffalo, New York, began vaping at just 15. Like many teens, he could easily buy disposable vapes from a corner shop that didn’t check ID. Over time, his use escalated to THC vape pens.
On September 13, while sitting in his car before heading into a mall with his girlfriend, Raymond took a puff from both his nicotine vape and a THC pen. Moments later, a sharp pain tore across his back.
“I took a hit and coughed—nothing unusual,” Raymond recalled. “Then a searing pain hit both my shoulder blades. It just wouldn’t stop. I tried to walk it off, but the pain got worse. A minute later, I passed out inside the mall.”
Paramedics rushed him to the hospital. An X-ray confirmed a spontaneous pneumothorax, also known as a collapsed lung. Doctors inserted a chest tube to reinflate the lung—an excruciating four-day process.
Doctors Find a Troubling Pattern
Raymond said his doctor couldn’t pinpoint an exact cause, but she mentioned that in the past six months, three or four young adults had been admitted with the same condition—each of them regular vapers.
“The only common denominator between all of us was vaping,” Raymond said. “It’s terrifying.”
Now fully aware of the risks, he has quit vaping altogether, switching instead to nicotine pouches and THC edibles.
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“It was a wake-up call,” he said. “Every few minutes I get scared it might happen again. I just want others to know what can happen.”
What Experts Say About Vaping and Collapsed Lungs
Medical researchers are beginning to see a connection between vaping and spontaneous lung collapse, even in otherwise healthy individuals.
A 2025 review in Medicina found several cases linking vaping to spontaneous pneumothorax among young, healthy people. (Read the full review on MDPI)
According to Johns Hopkins Medicine and the Mayo Clinic, a spontaneous pneumothorax can occur when tiny air sacs in the lungs rupture, allowing air to leak into the chest cavity. This pressure can cause the lung to collapse partially or completely.
While smoking traditional cigarettes is a well-known risk factor, new evidence suggests that vaping—especially deep inhalation or frequent puffing—may create similar internal pressure changes that lead to lung injury.
How Vaping May Damage the Lungs
Health researchers theorize several ways vaping could contribute to lung collapse:
- Toxin exposure: E-cigarette vapor contains aldehydes, heavy metals, and flavoring chemicals that can inflame or weaken lung tissue.
- Pressure changes: Deep inhalations and strong suction while vaping can cause sudden shifts in chest pressure, increasing the risk of air pocket rupture.
- Inflammation: Long-term vaping may weaken alveoli (tiny air sacs), reducing elasticity and making the lungs more fragile.
A case study published in CHEST Journal in 2024 described “vaping-associated spontaneous pneumothorax” (VASP) as a growing concern among clinicians treating young patients with no previous lung disease. (Read the case summary)
A Message for Young People
Raymond’s case highlights the growing public health challenge of youth vaping. Many teens believe vaping is safer than smoking, but medical experts strongly disagree.
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) warns that vaping can deliver high doses of nicotine and toxins directly to lung tissue, increasing risks of addiction and respiratory problems. (CDC: E-Cigarette Health Risks)
“Vaping is convenient and leaves little trace,” Raymond admitted. “That’s what makes it so dangerous for teens—it’s too easy.”
His Recovery and What Comes Next
After four nights in the hospital, Raymond’s lung slowly reinflated. Though he’s physically recovering, he says the fear of recurrence is constant.
“Every few minutes, I think about it happening again,” he said. “It’s changed the way I think about my health forever.”
He now advocates for young people to quit while they can and turn to safer alternatives—or, ideally, break free from nicotine altogether.
If you’re considering quitting, check out our guide on quitting vaping safely and explore more health tips in our Wellness Hub.
What You Should Know
- A collapsed lung (spontaneous pneumothorax) can happen without warning, even in healthy people.
- Symptoms may include sharp chest or back pain, shortness of breath, and sudden fatigue.
- Immediate medical attention is crucial—ignoring the signs can be life-threatening.
Final Takeaway
Raymond Dehn’s story serves as a sobering reminder: vaping is not harmless. While it may seem like a safer choice, the reality is that it can carry unpredictable and serious health risks.
The best decision? Quit now, before your body forces you to.
For more trusted health stories, visit our Health & Wellness section and read related articles like:
- The Hidden Dangers of Disposable Vapes
- How to Detox Your Lungs After Quitting Vaping
- Teen Vaping: Why It’s Harder to Quit Than You Think
Disclaimer
This article is for informational purposes only and not a substitute for professional medical advice. Always seek a doctor’s guidance regarding any health concerns.
Featured Image Credit: SWNS
