A teenager from New Zealand is warning others after doctors linked his severe lung problems to heavy vaping. The teen, identified as LeeRay King, said he began vaping at age 14 and continued for years before his health collapsed. He described vaping all day every day and going through several disposable vapes each week.
The situation escalated in August 2024 when LeeRay was rushed to the hospital with sharp pain in his left side. Doctors soon discovered he had a pneumothorax. This condition happens when air leaks into the space between the lung and the chest wall. According to the American Lung Association, a pneumothorax can cause a lung to collapse and requires urgent medical care.
Multiple lung collapses lead to surgeries
In the months that followed, LeeRay’s lung collapsed four more times. Doctors attempted procedures to stabilize his lung, including pleurodesis, which is meant to help the lung attach more firmly to the chest wall. When that did not succeed, surgeons performed a pleurectomy and later removed a damaged section of his lung.
His mother, Kylee Jope, said the experience left their family shocked and emotional. She explained that nothing prepared them for how quickly his health declined.
Teen says peer pressure played a role
LeeRay said he began vaping because of peer pressure and became dependent quickly. “I didn’t like it at first, but then I got hooked in the first week,” he said. He now hopes sharing his story will help prevent other young people from having similar medical outcomes.
Public health experts have warned that vaping can affect lung function, especially in developing bodies. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention provides information for families about vaping risks at CDC.gov.
A message meant to warn others
While recovery is ongoing, LeeRay is now focused on healing and educating others. His family says the most important message is simple. What began as something social and harmless ended with major medical procedures.
Health officials continue to study long-term effects of vaping among teens. Doctors say early lung symptoms such as chest pain, shortness of breath, or persistent coughing should never be ignored.
LeeRay says if sharing his story stops even one teenager from vaping, it will be worth it.