Schoolboy’s Lung Collapsed After Vaping: Doctor’s Explanation
A mother was shocked to discover that her son was sold vapes while wearing his school uniform, leading to his lung collapsing. Nathan Chesworth, a 16-year-old student studying for his GCSEs, started experiencing a severe cough last autumn. Despite multiple GP visits, he was only given antibiotics for a suspected chest infection. However, days after taking the medication, he began coughing up blood and showed signs of extreme fatigue and weight loss. The night before going back to school, Nathan’s lung collapsed, leaving him struggling to breathe while climbing stairs.
Doctors diagnosed Nathan with a ‘pneumothorax,’ where air becomes trapped between the lungs and chest wall, causing a collapse. It was only after this incident that his mother, Rebecca Chesworth, learned about his vaping habit. Nathan confessed to buying £3 tutti-frutti flavored vapes after school, sometimes even in his school uniform. Doctors mentioned that being ‘tall, slim, and white’ put him at higher risk for such complications. Rebecca shared her concern, emphasizing the need for awareness about the dangers and easy accessibility of vapes, urging others to avoid them.
- Doctors believed Nathan’s cough was due to a virus initially.
- He was prescribed antibiotics for a chest infection.
- Nathan’s lung collapsed, and he was diagnosed with pneumothorax.
- His vaping habit was uncovered post the hospital visit.
Rebecca expressed relief that Nathan survived but highlighted the mental toll it took on him. Despite feeling responsible for his condition, Nathan has since avoided vaping, even declining offers from friends. Rebecca hopes that sharing Nathan’s experience will educate others about the risks associated with vaping, especially among young individuals. She emphasizes the importance of understanding the content of vapes and making informed choices to safeguard health.
In a subsequent hospital visit, Nathan disclosed his vaping habit after his other lung collapsed. He was advised by a consultant at Wythenshawe Hospital about the dangers of vaping. The consultant noted that they had seen many similar cases and highlighted Nathan’s increased risk due to his physique. Rebecca was shocked to discover the brightly colored vapes her son was buying in his school uniform, emphasizing the influence of peer pressure and societal norms on young individuals.
Conclusion
Rebecca’s message is clear: awareness and education are crucial in combating the allure of vapes among adolescents. Nathan’s harrowing experience serves as a stark reminder of the potential consequences of vaping, especially when coupled with lack of knowledge and peer influence. By sharing their story, Rebecca hopes to prevent others from falling into the same trap and urges parents to have open discussions with their children about the risks associated with vaping. It is a cautionary tale that sheds light on the hidden dangers that lurk behind the flashy appeal of flavored vapes.