Young Mom Horrified After Doctors Reveal Her ‘Heart Attack’ Was Actually Oil Filling Her Lungs From Vaping

The 25-year-old was shocked to learn she had severe ‘popcorn lung’-type injuries linked to vaping

A young woman says she was left absolutely shocked after doctors explained the true state of her lungs following nearly two years of daily vaping.

While the dangers of vaping have been highlighted in countless health studies and by medical experts, many people still see it as a safer alternative to smoking. In some places, like the UK, disposable vapes have already been banned due to growing concerns.

For 25-year-old Cloey Eyes from Florida, USA, the warnings became reality when she was told she had ‘popcorn lung’ and a buildup of thick, oily residue coating her lungs.

The mother of five made the switch from cigarettes to vaping in August 2023 after three years of smoking, saying she couldn’t stand the lingering smell of cigarette smoke.

But less than two years later, on July 12 this year, she woke up with sharp, stabbing chest pains. Fearing she was having a heart attack, she immediately called for an ambulance.

After a series of hospital tests, doctors broke the news that she had lung injuries consistent with ‘popcorn lung,’ caused by an oily substance that had built up in her respiratory system.

The mum woke up believing she was having a heart attack Kennedy News and Media

Now, Cloey says she’s determined to warn others about just how dangerous vaping can be, especially when it comes to long-term health.

Medical experts believe vaping can lead to lipoid pneumonia — a serious condition where inhaled oils collect in the lungs, causing inflammation and long-term damage.

Recalling the night everything changed, she said she woke up at 2:30 in the morning with intense chest pain and struggled to breathe, adding: “I couldn’t catch my breath and I had to hit myself in the chest multiple times to be able to catch my breath.”

She remembered feeling completely terrified, describing it as though she was slowly suffocating. A hospital scan revealed something even more alarming — her left lung had developed an ‘oil pocket.’

The Florida mom explained: “Around both my lungs was oil. It was scary to hear this. It’s the oil from the vape and this is thickening up as you hit it (the vape) and attaching itself to your lungs.”

“I technically at that point had popcorn lung. That’s what they call it here.”

Cloey was prescribed some medication upon her release from hospital Kennedy News and Media

Looking back on her old habits, Cloey admitted it used to take her about two weeks to finish a 5,000-puff disposable vape, mainly because it was so easy and convenient to keep using it throughout the day.

After spending the night in the hospital, she was sent home with an inhaler, antibiotics, and a prescription for cough suppressant medicine to help with her recovery.

Doctors told her it would take at least a year for her lungs to heal, and she now hopes more people educate themselves about the very real risks of vaping.

“I would smoke the vape every day non-stop. I used the vape more than when I smoked as it was handy and right there.” she admitted.

“I would never pick up a vape again, especially because I’m a mum. I went cold turkey and quit vaping.”

She went on to say: “I feel 10 times better now as I have stopped completely. My lungs feel better and I don’t feel out of breath all the time.”

She hopes other parents will stop their vaping habits Kennedy News and Media

Cloey is now urging others — especially fellow parents — to quit vaping before it’s too late, saying: “Even if you don’t go through the pain, the amount of chemicals going through your lungs is probably knocking about 10 years off your life.”

“I turned 25 last Saturday and to think I could have lost my life from vaping is just not worth it.”