I had no idea something like this could even happen 😳

Seventeen-year-old cheerleader Brianne Cullen from Nevada was diagnosed with bronchiolitis obliterans—“popcorn lung”—after vaping daily for three years. She began at 14 to cope with anxiety after COVID lockdowns. The condition, which scars and narrows tiny lung airways, is irreversible and causes chronic breathing issues.

“Popcorn lung” got its name from cases in factory workers exposed to diacetyl, a chemical still found in some U.S. e-cigarettes despite bans elsewhere. Vaping-related respiratory illnesses are rising, especially among teens; one in six aged 16–17 vape regularly.

Brianne’s diagnosis required inhalers and ongoing care, with limited treatment options. Her mother hopes their story raises awareness of vaping’s serious risks. “We don’t know the long-term effects,” she said.