Zoe Shackleford thought she was making a healthier choice when she swapped cigarettes for vaping—but what started as a step toward better health nearly cost her life. The 29-year-old Virginia woman woke up one morning struggling to breathe, initially thinking it was a cold. Within days, her condition worsened so dramatically that even simple daily tasks became impossible, and she was rushed to the hospital with only 50 percent lung capacity. Doctors warned her that any delay could have been fatal.

Zoe had been smoking on and off since she was 18, eventually switching to larger vaping devices for several years. When she recently moved to disposable vapes, her lungs reacted violently to a chemical in the products, triggering hypersensitivity pneumonitis—a serious allergic reaction that can cause lung scarring and severe breathing difficulties. She spent nine days in the hospital, including four days on oxygen, and described the experience as terrifying and surreal.

The health scare prompted Zoe to finally quit all smoking and vaping, though she admits the transition hasn’t been easy. “I do miss it, but mostly the motion of it. I snack more now, but I know my lungs are worth it,” she explained. Her doctors have prescribed inhalers and asthma medication to manage her breathing while her lungs recover. The incident highlighted the unexpected dangers that can come from vaping, especially disposable products with undisclosed chemicals.

Zoe’s story is a cautionary tale for anyone considering vaping as a “safer” alternative to smoking. While vaping may reduce some risks compared to traditional cigarettes, it is not without potential hazards. Experts emphasize the importance of being aware of product ingredients, monitoring for unusual symptoms, and seeking medical attention immediately if breathing difficulties occur. As Zoe reflected, “Stopping vaping may be one of the simplest things you can do to protect your life—because you only get one.”