Phoenix, Arizona — A mother of four has shared a harrowing experience that nearly cost her life, all stemming from her decision to switch from traditional cigarettes to vaping. Kara Mullins, 49, thought she was making a healthier choice after nearly three decades of smoking. However, what she faced in December was a serious health crisis that left her fighting for survival in a hospital’s intensive care unit.
Mullins had been using e-cigarettes for four years, consuming a pod every two days, when she contracted the flu from one of her children. What began as mild shortness of breath escalated rapidly, culminating in her husband, Bear Boykin, rushing her to the emergency room as she struggled to breathe. Following her arrival, she lost consciousness and later learned she had been placed on a ventilator.
During her week-long unconsciousness, doctors revealed to her family that she experienced severe lung inflammation exacerbated by vaping. The residue from the e-cigarettes had damaged her lungs, making them “crispy,” a condition that contributed to tearing when they expanded. Healthcare professionals warned that this could lead to permanent damage.
Mullins reflected on her experience, expressing regret and disbelief over her health crisis. “Had I not smoked the vape, I wouldn’t have gone through all this,” she said, acknowledging her former belief that vaping was a safer alternative. Her case highlights an alarming trend, given that around 6 percent of U.S. adults and an even higher percentage of young adults engage in vaping regularly, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.
While vaping has been marketed as a less harmful substitute for smoking, emerging research is revealing significant risks linked to its use. Experts are increasingly concerned about associations between vaping and health issues such as hypertension and stroke, and some studies indicate that vaping may contribute to severe lung damage and even cancer.
The aerosol produced by e-cigarettes contains a mix of nicotine, flavorings, and harmful chemicals, which can penetrate deep into lung tissue. As the body processes these toxins, it may result in inflammation and mutations that elevate cancer risk over time. In a noteworthy study, a New Jersey man was reported as the first known case of aggressive lung cancer directly attributed to vaping.
As Mullins continues to recover, she is facing the possibility of enduring lung damage for the rest of her life. “I have substantial scar tissue,” she disclosed. “Doctors are still conducting tests, but I know my lungs will never be the same.” Although she has regained some independence and no longer requires supplemental oxygen, the lingering effects of her illness—and a haze of cognitive disorientation—make it challenging for her to return to her previous activities.
In light of her ordeal, Mullins has quit vaping completely and has taken to advocating for others to avoid the habit. “I want people to understand that vaping could lead to irreversible damage or even death. Value yourself more,” she urged. It is a powerful message from a woman whose life was turned upside down by a choice she thought was safer, now transformed into a warning for others.