PRODUCT WATCH ROUNDUP We’ve added new information to ASH Wales Product Watch about nicotine products that may be less familiar. Pouchless nicotine pods have a UK-facing retail listing: these small oral portions have no outer pouch and are not designed to melt. We’ve also added international examples of ultra-thin and semi-gel nicotine pouches, and updated our page on gels, creams, sprays and nasal inhalers. UK or Welsh availability has not been established for those international examples. These updates explain what the products are, what is verified and what remains uncertain. They do not establish how widely any product is used in Wales.
Smoking and stroke: quitting can reduce your future risk.
Smoking increases the risk of stroke and transient ischaemic attack (TIA). If you have already had a stroke or TIA, stopping smoking is one of the changes that can help reduce the chance of another.
Is there any point stopping now?
Yes. NHS stroke guidance includes quitting smoking as a key way to lower the risk of another stroke or TIA.
Free support in Wales
Help Me Quit offers free NHS stop smoking support across Wales.
How smoking affects stroke
Smoking damages blood vessels and makes blood more likely to clot, increasing the risk of a blockage or other problems that can lead to stroke.
What happens when you stop?
Stopping smoking reduces stroke risk over time and brings wider benefits for heart, lung and overall health.
For diagnosis or treatment
Stroke symptoms need urgent medical attention. For diagnosis, recovery, treatment or questions about your individual risk, use NHS services or speak to your healthcare team.