A woman from Cincinnati, whose dependence on vaping led her to take her e-cigarette everywhere, including the shower, is now sharing her story to caution others about the risks associated with vaping addiction. Her near-death incident highlights the significant health dangers associated with vaping, especially for individuals who opt for e-cigarettes as an alternative to traditional smoking.
Jordan Brielle, 32, made the transition to vaping in 2021 after having been a smoker since her teenage years. What she thought was a better choice quickly escalated into a serious dependency, draining her $500 each week.
Her reliance on vaping was such that she carried her e-cigarette with her constantly, even during sleep or while taking a shower. “I was fully addicted. I was vaping so much that I slept with it, it went to the shower with me,” Jordan said.
In the face of clear indications that her health was declining, Jordan persisted in her vaping habit. In November 2023, she started to feel a weight in her chest, but chose to overlook it.
Her condition deteriorated, leading to frequent hospital visits, sometimes two or three times a week. Despite her persistent issues, medical professionals consistently discharged her, unable to identify the underlying cause.
Jordan experienced a range of alarming symptoms, such as trouble breathing, leg swelling, a grayish complexion, and confusion. “Each time they would send me home. It felt like there were 80 pounds of pressure just lying on my chest,” she said.
Even after contracting COVID-19 and pneumonia, she persisted in her vaping habit. Her condition worsened to the point where she struggled to walk and frequently felt disoriented.
In May 2024, her struggle increased drastically. Jordan’s partner discovered her unresponsive in bed, with black mucus flowing from her nose and mouth.
She was unresponsive and struggling to breathe, with a weak pulse detected. Despite her partner’s desperate attempts at resuscitation, including clearing her airways, all efforts proved futile.
Emergency responders quickly intubated her upon arrival and swiftly transported her to the hospital. Doctors uncovered the full extent of the damage to her lungs during their examination.
Jordan faced a serious medical situation as her left lung had fully collapsed, and her right lung was only partially functioning. Her body was attempting to eliminate vape juice that had solidified in her lungs.
Medical professionals extracted two liters of dark, bloody fluid from her lungs. She underwent a medically induced coma for 11 days to speed up her body’s healing process.
“In the hospital, they told me my lungs were extremely damaged from smoking and vaping. It felt like there was a popped balloon in my lungs,” Jordan recalled.
The oxygen deprivation during her respiratory collapse also led to the diagnosis of a minor brain injury. Medical professionals warned that if she continued to vape, she might encounter similar problems again.
“They told me if I’d waited any longer, I wouldn’t have been here. “I haven’t touched a vape since,” she stated. Jordan is now committed to sharing her journey and inspiring others to decide to quit.
“I would say to anyone else: quit any way you can. Do it for your health, your family, your life, your lungs,” she urged. “Whatever motivates you, use that reason and stop.”
Vaping has surged in popularity, boasting an estimated 82 million users across the globe. Nonetheless, specialists are growing nervous about the hidden risks associated with this behavior.
In a recent update, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) revealed that 6.2 million school-aged children in the U.S. experimented with tobacco products, such as e-cigarettes, in 2023. In the face of regulations, the amount of underage vaping is on the rise, with a significant number of children engaging in the habit daily.
Public Health Wales reported that the weekly vaping rates among high school students surged from 6.6% in 2017 to 13.6% in 2021. The allure of diverse tastes and a sense of security attract a younger audience.
Although Jordan’s survival is remarkable, her health remains fragile. Her struggle with addiction has forever changed her life, and she continues to confront the risk of her lungs collapsing once more.
While focusing on her recovery, Jordan feels grateful for the chance to continue her journey. “They really saved my life. I’m better now in some ways, but worse in others,” she said.
Jordan’s message to others is straightforward yet pressing: “Quit while you can.” Your life is worth more than this addiction.
Feature Image Credit: (Kennedy News and Media)
