A 26-year-old woman from Pennsylvania, Petrea Mckeithen, shared her harrowing experience of a near-death encounter after vaping for just a year. Mckeithen, in an interview with Fox News Digital, recounted how she had taken up the habit at the age of 21, despite warnings from others. She admitted that she had become quickly addicted to vaping, captivated by the flavors and the sense of rebellion it seemed to embody. However, what started as a seemingly harmless indulgence turned into a life-threatening situation when, after about a year of vaping, Mckeithen found herself struggling to breathe.
In September 2022, Mckeithen experienced a sudden onset of breathing difficulties, which she initially attributed to asthma. However, it was later revealed that both her lungs had collapsed, a condition known as pneumothorax. Dr. David Campbell, a clinical director, explained that pneumothorax occurs when air enters the chest cavity, exerting pressure on the lungs and causing them to collapse. This condition is often linked to vaping, particularly when individuals engage in forceful inhalations that strain the lungs.
Mckeithen was airlifted to the hospital, where she was placed in a medically induced coma and put on extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO) to support her heart and lung function. During her coma, she experienced vivid and distressing nightmares, which she described as feeling like painful memories rather than mere dreams. Despite being given a slim chance of survival, Mckeithen defied the odds and emerged from the ordeal.
Following her recovery, Mckeithen continues to grapple with the aftermath of her vaping-related health scare. She now lives with chronic asthma and a condition known as “vaper’s lung” or EVALI, which requires her to take daily medication and remain vigilant about her respiratory health. Mckeithen emphasized the need for caution and awareness surrounding the dangers of vaping, especially among younger individuals who may perceive it as a harmless activity.
In her efforts to educate others about the risks of vaping, Mckeithen shared her story with a group of teenagers she encountered vaping in a store. She expressed her concern for their well-being, recounting how seeing young people indulge in vaping saddened her deeply. Reflecting on her own experience, Mckeithen emphasized that the allure of vaping is fleeting and ultimately not worth the potential consequences.
Today, Mckeithen finds solace and purpose in her role as a mother to an 18-month-old son, whom she describes as the center of her world. Despite the challenges she faces due to her lung condition, Mckeithen remains steadfast in her mission to raise awareness and advocate for safer alternatives to vaping. Her journey serves as a poignant reminder of the profound impact that one decision can have on a person’s life and the lives of those around them.
Melissa Rudy, a senior health editor at Fox News Digital, highlighted Mckeithen’s story as a cautionary tale, shedding light on the dangers of vaping and the importance of informed decision-making when it comes to personal health choices. For more health-related articles and updates, readers are encouraged to visit www.foxnews.com/health.