A mother recalls a difficult conversation she had with a physician after her teenage daughter was diagnosed with "popcorn lung" – a rare and serious lung condition – which has raised alarming concerns about vaping, especially among young people.

Christie Martin's daughter, Brianne Cullen, called her in distress, unable to breathe properly. Terrified, Christie rushed the 17-year-old to a local emergency room, where Brianne underwent oxygen therapy, X-rays, and was administered medication. After a thorough examination, the doctors diagnosed her with bronchiolitis obliterans, a condition more commonly known as "popcorn lung."

Popcorn lung is a result of the buildup of scar tissue in the lungs, which obstructs airflow and makes it difficult for individuals to breathe. It is a rare but serious illness, often linked to inhaling certain chemicals, including those found in vaping products. Shockingly, Christie was unaware that her daughter had been secretly vaping since she was 14 years old.

Describing the day her daughter started to experience severe symptoms, Christie, who lives in Henderson, Nevada, shared, “Brianne went to cheerleading practice feeling unwell, with a cough and sore throat. She was still lifting and tumbling, pushing herself through the strenuous routines.” Christie continued, “Then, suddenly, she called me and said she couldn’t catch her breath. I couldn’t understand her—she kept repeating, ‘I can’t breathe.’ It was one of the scariest moments of my life.”

Christie believes that it was Brianne’s involvement in cheerleading that may have helped save her life. “Cheerleading probably saved her because of the exertion it demands. Despite being sick, her body was used to physical strain, but it became clear she couldn’t breathe,” Christie explained.

The family’s rushed visit to St. Rose Dominican Hospital marked a turning point in their understanding of the severity of Brianne’s condition. The doctor came in and informed Christie that they needed to have a serious conversation. “I never expected the diagnosis she gave me,” Christie said. “Popcorn lung is a permanent condition, and it’s fatal for some children. We still don’t know the long-term effects.”

The medical team provided Brianne with an inhaler to assist with her breathing. They also shared with Christie that, had they caught the condition early enough, there might still be hope for Brianne’s recovery. “Doctors said she should be able to recover fully because we addressed it so early, but the possibility of long-term complications, including cancer, remains a concern,” Christie reflected. “I was a wreck at the ER that night. I never imagined I would hear such devastating news.”

Christie expressed feelings of guilt over her daughter’s condition. “Smoking takes years to show its effects, and your lungs can heal over time, but popcorn lung is irreversible,” she said, adding, “It took this deadly diagnosis for her to finally stop vaping.”

Now, as a result of her family’s experience, Christie is urging other parents to take action and prevent their children from accessing e-cigarettes and vapes. “We need to come together and make sure these products are taken off the market,” Christie passionately stated. “This story is meant to serve as a warning: do not let your kids vape, no matter what. I truly hope they ban these products because they’re far worse than smoking.”

In light of this experience, the health risks associated with vaping – particularly the potential for irreversible lung damage – have become an urgent public health issue. Parents, educators, and lawmakers must continue to raise awareness and take action to protect the next generation from this growing epidemic.