As World No Tobacco Day approaches on May 31st, we are reminded of the damaging effects that tobacco use may bring about. Let’s explore the critical aspects of tobacco use and how to break free from its grip.  

Tobacco use affects nearly every organ in the body. It is known to increase the risk of heart attack, stroke and lung conditions such as chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD).

It is also one of the main causes of lung cancer. Furthermore, smoking does not affect only you but your loved ones too.

In recent years, vaping has emerged as a concerning trend, particularly among young people.

While e-cigarettes don’t contain tobacco, they typically contain nicotine, which is highly addictive and can harm adolescent brain development. The rising popularity of vaping presents new challenges in our fight against nicotine addiction.

No matter how long someone has smoked, quitting has immediate and long-term benefits.

Within 72 hours, decline in lung function stops and body energy increases. Within 1 year, the risk of smoking-related heart attack is reduced by 50 percent.  

Behavioral support and medications help to increase the success rate of smoking. Consider external smoking cessation services (I Quit, community pharmacies, NAMS – National Addictions Management Services) to help you in your journey.

Remember: Every attempt to quit brings you closer to success. Your health and your loved ones’ wellbeing are worth the effort.

Have questions about tobacco or nicotine use? Don’t miss this chance to ask our specialist now!  

Dr Shaina Neo is a Staff Registrar at the Post-Acute & Continuing Care Department at Sengkang Community Hospital (part of SingHealth Community Hospitals). 

She graduated from Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine in 2016 and completed her Masters of Medicine (Family Medicine) in 2024.  

In her current role at Sengkang Community Hospital (SKCH), Dr Shaina works with a multi-disciplinary team to provide holistic care to inpatients to optimise them before their transition back to the community.  

1. Question by Tan KC

Dear Dr Neo,

I’m in mid 50s and have been smoking since my teens. I’ve tried to quit using different methods: cold turkey, patch/gum but nothing sticks for long. What other ways do you recommend I try?

Thank you for your advice.

Answer by Dr Shaina Neo

Dear Mr Tan,

Thank you for your question. It’s great that you are thinking about quitting smoking.

You can refer to this HealthXchange article for tips on quitting smoking.

Evidence has shown that behavioral support and medications increase the success rate of quitting smoking.

If you require external help, please consider smoking cessation services  (I Quit, community pharmacies, NAMS – National Addictions Management Services, SGH Smoking Cessation Programme) to help you in your journey.

2. Question by S

Dear Dr Neo,

I have two questions about vaping:

• As vaping doesn’t contain tobacco, how is it still harmful to health?
• How does vaping affect the lungs and heart?

Thanks!

Answer by Dr Shaina Neo

Dear S,

Thank you for your questions. Vaping or the use of electronic (E) cigarettes is illegal in Singapore.

E cigarettes produce inhalable aerosols from nicotine-containing liquids. At the same time, they release various substances that are harmful to health.

You can check out this HealthXchange article on vaping to understand the effects of vaping.

3. Question by Chan

Hi Dr Neo,

I heard that there are nicotine-free vapes. Are such vapes safer? What are the potential health risks associated with such vapes?

Thank you for your advice.

Answer by Dr Shaina Neo

Dear Chan, 

Thank you for your question.

A reminder that vaping or the use of any kind of electronic (E) cigarette is illegal in Singapore.

Some manufacturers may market nicotine-free vapes, but they may still contain nicotine. At the same time, E-cigarettes release various substances that are harmful to health.

You can check out this HealthXchange article on vaping to understand the effects of vaping.

4. Question by Robert

Dear Dr Neo,

I’m a casual smoker, usually doing it only during social gatherings or to relieve stress. For stress relief, I’ve tried to resist smoking and replace it with snacks, sugary drinks and unhealthy food since I enjoy these.

But as a result of this, I find myself snacking more and craving such foods more.

While I can’t say this “new habit” has eliminated by desire to smoke, I feel like I may have introduced a second (although less harmful) addiction to my life. I’m already starting to notice some weight gain.

What advice would you have for me so that I do not become a stress smoker AND stress eater?

Thank you for your advice.

Answer by Dr Shaina Neo

Dear Robert

Thank you for your question. It’s great that you are thinking about quitting smoking.

At the same time, you recognised that substituting smoking for unhealthy snacking might affect your health too.

It will be good to identify your stress triggers and if possible to avoid these triggers.

If these triggers are unavoidable, there are other healthier methods to cope with stress.

Try deep breathing exercises or go for a short walk to distract yourself.

Exercising releases endorphins which help in reducing stress.

If eating is your form of relieving stress, choose healthier snacks such as fruits or vegetables.

Lastly, make sure you get enough sleep every day.

Ref: G25