Smoking and vaping: NHS shows difference between the two

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A woman who was hospitalised after waking up with chest pains has claimed vaping caused her lung to collapse as she urges others to give up the popular alternative to smoking.  Vaping has become a popular alternative to smoking in the UK, with nearly “four million” people choosing to use e-cigarettes instead of traditional cigarettes.

Writing on Instagram, Summer said: “My lung collapsed from smoking vapes. I’ve been in hospital for almost two weeks now with a drain tube in my lungs. They started with a needle in my lung to let the air out but that didn’t work, they decided to put a tube in and that didn’t work, x-rays every day and taking morphine they decided to try another tube on my chest and it worked.

“I’ve been in so much pain, I’ve not been able to walk or talk. I’ve been scared and hesitant to even post but this situation changed my life so much and I can’t believe it happened to me.

“I always see things online about stories and things happening to people but I never thought it would be me.

“I just want to share and let people know those disposable vapes everyone smokes are so dangerous!”

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A post shared by S (@xhelilajj)

Summer said she had woken up with sharp pains in her chest that spread to her back and spine.

The influencer then became so “out of breath” she had to go on her hands and knees and wait for help as she phoned 999 in a panic. 

Summer continued: “Out of nowhere my lung had collapsed. I dialled 999 straight away. If you or your friends smoke them please try stop. I’m so traumatised but I’m grateful I’m healing now, I’m feeling better, and I’m hoping to go home very soon.”

The post was made on October 16 and has received more than 36,000 likes as other people share their experiences in the comments.

There has long been debate around the safety of vaping and e-cigarettes which have become popular among younger crowds. 

But one expert has disputed the idea that Summer’s lung could have collapsed from vaping, claiming there has been “no evidence” of this happening since vaping was introduced. 

Speaking to Express.co.uk, John Britton, Emeritus Professor of Epidemiology at the University of Nottingham, said: “Vaping is substantially less harmful than smoking tobacco. It is believed to be around 1/20th of the risk.

“If you are a smoker, it’s a no-brainer to switch to vaping. Vaping is a godsend for smokers. But if you don’t smoke tobacco or use nicotine, you would be mad to start vaping.”

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Prof Britton continued: “It’s not likely her lungs could collapse from vaping. They happen spontaneously. It can happen from illness. They are rare but they happen and they often happen in tall, slender people. It’s entirely plausible that she vapes and has a collapsed lung but it’s unlikely the vapes caused that. If she was a smoker and switched to vapes, it’s more likely caused by that.

“Smoking causes damage to the lung and when you cough or sneeze you can then burst the lung. It’s more common in men than women but this is highly likely to be a spontaneous thing or she’s had an episode of infection.

“No doubt vaping will kill some people but it’s going to be trivial numbers compared to those who die from smoking tobacco.

“The vape liquid market is regulated in the UK. If you’re buying from a legitimate source, you’re getting something that will be okay.”

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