Isabella Troncao in Medica Coma After Vaping-Induced Sepsis Scare

A 16-year-old girl who narrowly survived a life-threatening lung infection has issued a dire warning to peers after doctors linked her 18-month vaping habit to the illness that left her “hours from death.”

Isabella Troncao began vaping marijuana and nicotine cartridges 18 months ago to impress a romantic interest. But within a week of switching to nicotine vapes, she developed severe throat pain and breathing difficulties.

“It felt like a 50-pound weight on my chest,” she recalled. “I couldn’t take a full breath.”

Her condition rapidly deteriorated until she could no longer walk or stay awake. Rushed to St. Rose Dominican Hospital in Nevada, doctors diagnosed her with Lemierre’s syndrome—a rare but deadly bacterial infection that spread to her jugular vein, lungs, and bloodstream, triggering sepsis.

“Hours From Death”

• Doctors drained a liter of fluid from her lung.
• She spent a month hospitalized due to blood clots in her throat, lung, and arm.
• Medics confirmed vaping weakened her lungs, allowing the infection to take hold.

“If I had arrived a few hours later, I would have died,” Isabella said. “It’s a sign I was meant to stay—this is my second chance.”

A Mother’s Anguish

Her mother, Francesca, 44, had no idea Isabella was vaping until she found a device in her pocket.

“They market these vapes with fruity flavors and bright colors—they’re worse than cigarettes,” Francesca said. “Hearing doctors say they didn’t know if she’d survive… that broke me.”

UK Vaping Trends & Crackdown

While UK disposable vape use among 16-24-year-olds dropped from 63% to 35% (UCL, 2024), experts warn many are simply switching to refillable vapes ahead of the impending disposable vape ban.

The Tobacco and Vapes Bill aims to restrict flavors, packaging, and marketing targeting youth.