A teenager who started vaping at just 12 years old now deeply regrets his decision after suffering a terrifying health crisis. Jayden Richardson, now 17, had become heavily dependent on vaping, consuming the equivalent of 50 cigarettes per day. His habit led to devastating consequences, including a shocking medical diagnosis after he began coughing up large amounts of blood.
Last August, while on vacation in Turkey with his family, Jayden experienced mild chest pain the night before his departure. Not thinking much of it, he went about his day as usual. The next morning, after taking a hit from his vape, he noticed he had a slight cough and was spitting up small amounts of blood. At first, he brushed it off, believing it was nothing to worry about.
However, as the day progressed, things took a terrifying turn. After consuming a few drinks, he entered a swimming pool, but the moment he stepped in, he started coughing violently. Within seconds, he was coughing up what he described as “pints of blood.” Panicked and frightened, he rushed to the bathroom, where the bleeding continued for nearly ten minutes. It was an overwhelming and horrifying experience for him.
Upon returning to the UK, Jayden’s condition didn’t improve. He began coughing up blood again, prompting an emergency trip to a hospital in Birmingham. Doctors initially suspected a stomach ulcer, possibly linked to his diet and lifestyle while on vacation. His mother, Elita, also thought his unhealthy eating habits—such as consuming fast food and alcohol—might have played a role.
X-rays of Jayden’s lungs showed no immediate signs of concern, leaving doctors puzzled. It wasn’t until an endoscopy was performed that the full extent of his lung damage was revealed. The severity of the damage shocked the medical team, as such extreme deterioration is rarely seen in someone so young. After further investigation, they concluded that his excessive vaping was the root cause of his condition.
Determined to recover, Jayden immediately quit vaping and started medical treatment. Within a few days, the bleeding stopped, and he began feeling better. However, several months later, on his birthday, he made the mistake of using a vape again. The moment he did, he felt the familiar discomfort in his chest and began coughing. Within minutes, the blood returned. At that moment, he realized the damage was more severe than he had thought and that even a single puff could trigger another health scare.
Jayden is now waiting for a CT scan to fully assess the damage to his lungs. He has made a firm commitment never to touch a vape again. Looking back, he wishes he had never started and wants to use his story as a warning to others. He now fully understands the dangers of vaping and urges others to think twice before picking up the habit.
