In a world where vaping is often marketed as a safer alternative to smoking, the alarming story of 39-year-old Loyda Cordero Faliero serves as a stark reminder of the potential dangers lurking in e-cigarettes. What began as a decision to quit cigarettes turned into a life-altering nightmare that has reshaped her health and daily life.
The Shift from Smoking to Vaping
Loyda, a mother from Franklinville, New York, had been a smoker for over 20 years before deciding to make the switch to vaping. Like many, she believed vaping would be a healthier alternative to cigarettes. “I was proud of myself for quitting cigarettes,” she shared in a recent interview. “I thought vaping would be the safer option.” However, less than two years later, her life would take a drastic turn.
A Terrifying Diagnosis
After months of vaping regularly, Faliero found herself struggling to breathe one day and was rushed to the emergency room. Doctors discovered severe lung damage, which led to a diagnosis of bullous emphysema, a chronic and irreversible form of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). This condition causes air pockets to form in the walls of the lungs, and one of those pockets had ruptured, causing her lung to collapse.
“My lung collapsed because it was building up with the liquid from my vape,” she explained. “One of the pulmonary bullae ended up bursting, and that could’ve killed me instantly.”
The realization that vaping had caused her lungs to deteriorate hit hard. What was supposed to be a healthier choice had, in fact, nearly cost her life.
Vaping. Credit / Shutterstock
Living With the Consequences
Since her diagnosis, Faliero’s daily life has drastically changed. She now sleeps upright in a recliner to avoid choking while she sleeps. Simple tasks that most people take for granted, like cooking or washing dishes, have become physically exhausting. Lifting something as simple as a gallon of milk leaves her gasping for air.
“If I lie flat, I could choke to death on my own spit,” Faliero revealed. “I can’t even stand up to make dinner without ending up in tears from the pain.”
Despite her condition, Faliero remains determined to share her story with the world. “I want people to understand, this isn’t just water vapor,” she says. “If I had kept vaping, I’d be on life support in five years. That’s how much damage it’s done.”
The Link Between Vaping and Lung Damage
Bullous emphysema is typically linked to long-term smoking, but in Faliero’s case, doctors believe vaping played a significant role. The constant exposure to the chemicals and aerosols in e-cigarettes created inflammation and fluid buildup in her lungs, leading to the condition. She acknowledges that her habit spiraled out of control as she began vaping throughout the day, unaware of the long-term damage being done.
Vaping has long been promoted as a “cleaner” alternative to smoking. However, emerging research is casting doubt on that claim. Experts warn that the inhalation of heated chemicals can cause serious lung irritation and damage. While cases like Faliero’s are rare, they are becoming more common, and the long-term effects of vaping are still not fully understood.
Young woman vapes. Credit / Shutterstock
A Warning to Others
Despite her life-altering condition, Faliero hopes her story will raise awareness and encourage others to reconsider their use of e-cigarettes. “This is a ticking time bomb,” she says. “I want people to know the truth before it’s too late.”
Her message is clear: Just because something is marketed as “healthier” doesn’t mean it’s safe. For Faliero, vaping was a decision she made to improve her health, but instead, it has become a destructive force in her life.
Conclusion: A Sobering Reminder
Loyda Cordero Faliero’s story is a powerful and sobering reminder that vaping is not without risks. What many may believe to be a safer alternative to smoking has the potential to cause significant, life-threatening health issues. If you or someone you know is considering making the switch to vaping, take a moment to reflect on the potential long-term effects. Sometimes, what seems like a healthier choice can turn into a nightmare.
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