Man, 34, Quit Smoking Cigarettes and Switched to Vaping to Be ‘Safer.’ He Still Ended Up with a Collapsed Lung

An Arizona man has shared a cautionary tale regarding the potential dangers of vaping after suffering a serious health scare that left him hospitalised. Dylan Bonney, a 34-year-old father from Pine, made the switch from traditional cigarettes to vaping in 2019, shortly before the birth of his daughter, believing it to be a healthier option. However, his experience took a drastic turn when he developed a collapsed lung, a condition he attributes to his vaping habit.

Prior to his health crisis, Bonney found vaping to be a more appealing alternative to smoking. “I switched straight over to the vape because I thought it was a safer alternative — or at least a cleaner, less disgusting alternative,” he remarked. He felt that vaping would help him quit smoking altogether, a goal he achieved as he never returned to cigarettes.

However, Bonney’s vape use quickly spiralled. He described his consumption as “ungodly,” noting that he kept his device within arm’s reach at all times. “I would fall asleep with it under my pillow or in my hand. My vape was always in my pocket or at reach,” he recalled. He also felt that vaping was more socially acceptable compared to smoking, stating, “It’s way less taboo than smoking because it smells fruity and yummy.”

On February 26, while working as a chef, Bonney suddenly experienced severe chest pain that he initially misinterpreted. “Out of nowhere, I dropped everything that I was holding in my hands. I grabbed my chest and I thought I was having a heart attack instantly,” he said, describing the pain as crippling. He continued to work for a short time after feeling the distress, convinced it could have been something minor like indigestion.

Eventually, Bonney made his way to the hospital, where he passed out shortly after arriving. His ordeal culminated in a diagnosis of a collapsed right lung, which doctors attributed to his vaping habit. He was rushed into emergency surgery and spent nearly two weeks in the hospital, undergoing a second operation just days after the first. Bonney was discharged on March 10, now with a newfound perspective on the risks associated with vaping.

Reflecting on his experience, Bonney expressed regret over his choices. “The surgeon said I wouldn’t be in this situation if I had been smoking cigarettes for the past seven years,” he mentioned. He conceded that had he known the potential consequences of vaping, he would have made different choices. “If I had known the repercussions — that I would almost lose my life — I would never have done that,” he stated.

Bonney is now determined to raise awareness about vaping dangers in hopes of preventing others from facing similar health issues. “If I can keep anyone from hitting the vape one more time or from switching to vaping because they think it’s a better alternative, then I will dedicate my life to it at this point,” he asserted, highlighting his commitment to spreading this crucial message.

In light of Bonney’s recovery, his family is seeking community support to help with financial obligations. His older brother, Ashten Bonney, has initiated a GoFundMe campaign to assist Dylan and his daughter during this difficult period, noting that Dylan has faced a loss of income due to his health issues. Ashten described his brother as a hardworking individual dedicated to providing for his family, appealing to the public for assistance.

The story of Dylan Bonney serves as a stark reminder of the potential perils associated with vaping, particularly as many perceive the practice to be a safer alternative to traditional smoking. With his emphasis on preventative education, Bonney aims to influence others to reconsider their choices when it comes to tobacco and vaping products.