Smoking addiction, vaping surge, and quitting strategies detailed by UAE medical professionals: insights into the smoking habit and its deadly culmination in lung cancer.
Dubai, UAE – World No Tobacco Day sparks concern among medical professionals in the UAE, who warn of the increasing trend of smoking and vaping, particularly among youth. They strongly advocate for heightened awareness and robust support services to combat thealarming issue they characterize as a "silent killer."
Healthcare experts attribute the initiation of smoking to numerous factors, including peer influence, social pressure, and stress, particularly among teenagers. Cultural and cinematic representations of smoking, family background, and simple curiosity can also contribute to the habit.
Nicotine, a powerful addictive substance, plays a significant role in making it difficult to quit. Dr. Saheer Sainalabdeen, a Specialist Pulmonologist at Medeor Hospital in Dubai, explained, "Nicotine stimulates the release of dopamine in the brain, causing pleasurable feelings that individuals find hard to leave behind."
Withdrawal symptoms like anxiety, headaches, and strong cravings often lead to relapses. Additionally, habitual routines, psychological dependence, and the lack of support make quitting a considerable challenge.
Cigarette smoking is the primary cause of lung cancer. Dr. Annu Susan George, Consultant Medical Oncology at Medcare Royal Specialty Hospital, Al Qusais, emphasized, "90% of lung cancer cases can be attributed to smoking, and the risk for long-term smokers is approximately 30 times higher. Even passive smoking increases the chances by 30%."
The growing use of vaping and e-cigarettes, especially among young adults, has become a concern. Factors like targeted marketing, the appeal of flavored products, and the perceived safety of vaping have contributed to their increased popularity.
Dr. Ahmed ElMansoury, Consultant Pulmonologist at NMC Royal Hospital Sharjah, stated, "E-cigarettes deliver nicotine and can lead to addiction, sometimes serving as a gateway to traditional smoking."
Quitting smoking requires more than just willpower, according to Dr. Muhammed Shafeeq Kalladi, Specialist Pulmonology at Aster Hospital Qusais. He stressed, "Cessation involves overcoming physical addiction, emotional triggers, and deeply embedded behavioral patterns. Awareness is crucial, and people must understand that smoking is a public health issue, not a personal weakness."
Effective strategies for quitting smoking include behavioral therapy, nicotine replacement therapy, prescription medications, and digital tools like quit-smoking apps and virtual support groups. Community awareness campaigns and healthcare interventions play a vital role in supporting individuals on their quitting journey.
Health risks associated with vaping among youth include respiratory and heart issues, nicotine addiction, and misconceptions about the safety of e-cigarettes. Regulatory efforts are intensifying in the UAE, with awareness campaigns, strict regulations, and legislation aimed at age restrictions and regulating nicotine content.
[Source: Dubai resident smoked 40 cigarettes a day - a health scare made him quit overnight; Are you a cigarette smoker? You are inhaling more than 7,000 chemicals; Smoking accounts for 90% of lung cancer incidence in UAE; How dangerous is vaping for teenagers?; Smoking fewer cigarettes not enough to reduce harm caused by smoking; Is vaping as harmful as smoking cigarettes? Five myths about vaping busted]
- Medical professionals in the UAE express concern about the rising trend of smoking and vaping among youth, labeling it a "silent killer."
- Nicotine, found in cigarettes, is a powerful substance that stimulates the release of dopamine in the brain, causing strong addictive properties.
- Smoking is a leading cause of lung cancer, with 90% of lung cancer cases attributed to smoking and long-term smokers having a 30 times higher risk.
- The increasing popularity of vaping and e-cigarettes, particularly among young adults, is linked to factors such as targeted marketing, the appeal of flavored products, and the perceived safety of vaping, which can lead to nicotine addiction, respiratory and heart issues, and misconceptions about safety.
