An Arizona man says his lung collapsed after he switched from cigarettes to vaping, leading to emergency surgeries and days in the hospital. The case raises new questions about the safety of e-cigarettes as a quitting aid and the medical risks that doctors continue to study. Health officials say cases like this are uncommon but serious, and urge users to watch for chest pain, shortness of breath, and persistent cough.
A Personal Story Sparks Wider Debate
Dylan Bonney, a resident of Arizona, described a rapid health crisis that he believes was triggered by vaping after leaving cigarettes. He said the episode upended his life and left him wary of products he once viewed as a safer choice.
“Vaping led to my lung collapsing, emergency surgeries, and a hospital stay after I switched from smoking cigarettes to using a vape,” Bonney said.
Clinicians say a collapsed lung, or pneumothorax, can occur for several reasons, including preexisting lung issues, infections, trauma, or sudden pressure changes. Some doctors have reported pneumothorax in people who vape, but emphasize that each case needs medical review to assess likely causes.
What Doctors Are Watching
Pulmonologists interviewed for this story note two main concerns: chemical exposure from aerosols and changes in breathing mechanics. Rapid, forceful inhalation through high-resistance devices may raise pressure in the chest. Certain compounds, when heated, can irritate or inflame the airways.
Public health officials point to lessons from the 2019 outbreak of e-cigarette or vaping product use–associated lung injury, known as EVALI. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention reported thousands of hospitalizations and dozens of deaths during that period, most linked to THC vapes containing vitamin E acetate. While that outbreak has waned, clinicians say vigilance remains important for any new or unexplained respiratory symptoms in people who vape.
- Chest pain, shortness of breath, and fast breathing can be signs of a collapsed lung.
- Cough, fever, and low oxygen levels can indicate lung injury that needs rapid care.
Risk, Harm Reduction, and Unsettled Science
Many adults turn to e-cigarettes hoping to reduce harm from smoking. Some studies suggest that people who fully switch from cigarettes to regulated nicotine vapes may lower exposure to certain toxins found in smoke. But switching does not remove risk, and individual outcomes vary. Dual use—continuing to smoke and vape—can also maintain high exposure to harmful substances.
Youth use adds another layer. Surveys show that teens report regular e-cigarette use, even as overall rates have eased from peaks earlier in the decade. Health groups warn that nicotine addiction can start quickly and that flavored products remain a draw for young users.
Industry representatives say their products are intended for adult smokers and should be regulated rather than banned. They argue that clear standards, age checks, and quality controls can reduce harm. Critics respond that marketing and flavors have extended appeal to minors and that long-term health effects need more data.
Inside the Hospital and After
Emergency treatment for a collapsed lung may involve placing a tube in the chest to remove air, followed by imaging and observation. Some patients need surgical repair to prevent recurrence. Recovery can take weeks, and doctors often recommend avoiding vaping, smoking, and activities that strain the lungs.
“It was frightening and fast,” Bonney said of the event. “I thought switching would help me. It did the opposite.”
Clinicians say patients who switch products should let their primary care doctor know and report any new symptoms right away. Product details—device type, liquids used, and frequency—can help physicians identify patterns and risks.
What To Watch Next
Regulators continue to target illicit and unapproved products, which may have inconsistent ingredients or unknown contaminants. Researchers are studying how device design, heating temperatures, and flavor chemicals affect lung tissue. Doctors also want clearer guidance for adults who try vaping to quit smoking, including counseling and follow-up plans.
For consumers, experts suggest practical steps: avoid black-market cartridges, do not modify devices, and seek medical care if breathing problems begin. People who want to quit smoking can talk with a clinician about nicotine replacement, prescription medications, and counseling, which have a longer record of safety and results.
Bonney’s account adds to a growing set of cases that keep questions alive about e-cigarette safety. As research advances and enforcement tightens, the core issue remains the same: how to reduce tobacco-related disease without creating new harms. The next phase will hinge on better data, stronger product oversight, and help for people trying to quit nicotine for good.
