We all know that smoking is bad for us. But while we are aware of the obvious health impacts, such as lung cancer, many of us aren’t aware of the lesser known, but equally pervasive diseases that can result from smoking. Many smokers may believe that they can be ‘healthy smokers’, in other words, exercising, eating healthy, and living a well-balanced life can offset the ill effects of smoking. This unfortunately, is not true. A recent US study found that more than half of current and former smokers who can pass basic lung function tests may suffer from lung diseases that have gone undiagnosed. The study found that 55 percent of participants who were considered ‘disease-free’ had some form of respiratory related impairment. Many were in the early stages of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), which is the third-leading killer in the United States. 42 percent had emphysema or airway thickening, while 23 percent had significant shortness of breath. Smoking prevention or cessation is key to maintaining a healthy life.

If you or a loved one would like to seek professional help to quit smoking, call our friendly medical concierge at +65 6679 7867 or email us at customercare@tmcg.com.sg and we will be on hand to assist you.

Wishing you the best of health, The Editorial Team The Medical Concierge Group