Dr Shaina Neo Hui Min, Staff Registrar from Sengkang Community Hospital (part of SingHealth Community Hospitals) answers your questions about smoking and vaping – their effects, risks, quitting and solutions.
Dr Shaina Neo, Staff Registrar from the
Post-Acute & Continuing Care Department at
Sengkang Community Hospital (SKCH), answers your questions about smoking and vaping.
SKCH is part of
SingHealth Community Hospitals (SCH), a member of the
SingHealth group.
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Smoking and vaping: Effects, risks, quitting and solutions
As World No Tobacco Day approaches end May, 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 (myocardial infarction),
strokes 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%.
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,
SGH Smoking Cessation Programme) 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!
Related articles:
Is Vaping Safer Than Cigarettes? Find Out Here
Vaping Can Cause Serious Illness
Tips to Quit Smoking
Lung Cancer: Main Causes and Prevention
About Dr Shaina Neo
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.
Ref: G25
