A schoolboy’s lung collapsed after he vaped, and a doctor explained the reasons behind the incident. Nathan Chesworth, a 16-year-old studying for his GCSEs in Wales, began experiencing a severe cough last autumn. Despite multiple GP visits and being prescribed antibiotics for a chest infection, Nathan started coughing up blood shortly after. His mum, Rebecca Chesworth, noticed his deteriorating health and weight loss. A day before returning to school in January, Nathan suffered a collapsed lung while climbing stairs, leaving him unable to breathe. Following a visit to The Royal Albert Edward Infirmary in Wigan, doctors diagnosed him with a pneumothorax, where air gets trapped between the lungs and chest wall, causing the lung to collapse.
Rebecca later discovered that Nathan had been vaping tutti-frutti flavoured e-cigarettes, often bought after school while he was in his school uniform. Doctors informed Rebecca that Nathan’s height, slim build, and being white put him at a higher risk. Nathan stayed in the hospital for four days, having a tube inserted to drain fluid and re-aspirate his lung. Subsequently, Nathan admitted to his mum that he had been vaping. He refrained from vaping since then, despite peer pressure at parties. Rebecca hopes to raise awareness of the dangers and accessibility of vaping. She urges young people not to underestimate the risks associated with vaping products, emphasising that one may never know the ingredients.
Rebecca expressed gratitude that Nathan survived the incident but highlighted the mental toll it took on him. Nathan blamed himself, fearing a relapse and regretting his actions. Rebecca underscored the need for prudent decision-making, especially among young people who might perceive themselves as invincible. By sharing Nathan’s ordeal, Rebecca intends to caution others about the potential hazards of vaping and the ease with which these products can be obtained. She emphasises the importance of understanding what one consumes and making informed choices to safeguard health and well-being.