Experts have issued a stark warning about “popcorn lung” after a Nevada teenager developed the condition from vaping.

The case has shocked doctors and worried families who believed e-cigarettes were safer.

Brianne Cullen, 17, reportedly began secretly vaping at age 14 to cope with school anxiety after lockdown. She bought a $25 vape each month for around three years without her mom noticing.

Her mother, Christie Martin, only suspected something was wrong because Brianne became ill far more often than before.

One day, Martin received a terrifying call from her daughter, who said she couldn’t breathe. The scared mom rushed her to the ER, where she was given oxygen, X-rays and medication.

Doctors diagnosed her with bronchiolitis obliterans, known as popcorn lung, which permanently damages tiny airways inside the lungs.

It causes ongoing coughing, breathlessness and exhaustion, and it cannot be reversed once the scarring develops.

The American Lung Association says the illness got its name after workers at a microwave popcorn factory inhaled diacetyl, a buttery flavouring chemical that caused similar lung damage.

The chemical scars airway tissue, making breathing painfully difficult over time.

The frightening cheer practice incident and diagnosis

Before the diagnosis, Brianne had been unwell but continued going to cheerleading practice, where constant lifting and tumbling pushed her lungs to their limits.

Martin recalled receiving the call: “She called me all of a sudden and said she can’t catch her breath. I couldn’t understand her; she kept saying ‘I can’t breathe,’ it was the scariest thing.”

She added: “Cheer saved her life because the exertion you put out during cheer practice, on top of being sick, meant she physically couldn’t breathe anymore.”

The medical team later said the popcorn lung was caught early, although they cannot predict how her condition will progress.

“The doctor came in and said, we need to have a very serious conversation,” Martin said. “I didn’t expect the news she gave me, that it was ‘popcorn lungs’ that’s permanent and children are dying from it.”

Brianne was given an inhaler to help her breathing but must now live under constant monitoring.

Her mother is frightened about the long-term effects. The condition can worsen, especially in teenagers whose lungs are still developing.

Brianne has since quit vaping completely and is focusing on recovery while doctors track her breathing and lung strength.

Experts warn vaping flavour chemicals are still dangerous

Martin now shares her daughter’s story to warn other parents. She said people online often blame her, but that stops others from speaking out. “Just because you think your kid isn’t, don’t shame other parents,” she said. “They used to say cigarettes are healthy and now we know the truth. But we don’t know the full truth about vapes yet.”

Experts agree that inhaling diacetyl can cause popcorn lung. Even though popcorn manufacturers removed the chemical years ago, researchers found it is still used in many flavoured vapes.

A Harvard study found diacetyl in 39 of 51 vape brands, and discovered 92% contained at least one harmful flavouring chemical.

The American Lung Association says people are directly inhaling these chemicals into their lungs, calling the situation an urgent public-health issue.

They are demanding the FDA remove diacetyl and similar toxins from vaping products, especially those marketed to young people.

Brianne’s case highlights the potential consequences. What started as a hidden coping habit has turned into a lifelong medical struggle.

Her family hopes sharing her experience will prevent others from learning the dangers too late.