HealthSmarts: Beware the hookah

According to the World Health Organization, water-pipe tobacco smoking is becoming a global epidemic. Water pipes, also known as hookahs, narghiles, shishas and gozas, have been used for centuries in other regions of the world and are often mistakenly believed to be a safe form of tobacco use.

Within the past few years, I have noticed a remarkable increase in the number of hookah bars in my own city. On any given evening, it is easy to find small groups huddled around individual hookahs, smoking through these water pipes into the early hours of the morning.

Many physicians are becoming concerned about the health risks associated with water-pipe smoking. While discussing hookah use with friends or patients, I am repeatedly told by its patrons that hookah use is "safe" or "non-addictive." Others believe that smoking through water pipes is "better than smoking cigarettes" and "does not have the typical cigarette-smoking risks."

As I had suspected, none of these assertions is true.

Research indicates that water-pipe tobacco smoking can be even more harmful to your health than cigarette smoking. In the WHO Advisory Note on water-pipe smoking, health officials warn that "the smoke that emerges from a water pipe contains numerous toxicants known to cause lung cancer, heart disease, and other diseases." Further, the advisory note states that the "water-pipe smoker may inhale as much smoke during one session as a cigarette smoker would inhale consuming 100 or more cigarettes."

Unfortunately, the health risks do not end there. Water-pipe smokers are exposed to nicotine. Nicotine is directly related to the amount of individual tobacco intake, so that over a period of time, smokers need more and more nicotine to obtain the same feeling or "high."

Ultimately, the WHO advisory note states that "water-pipe smokers inhale more smoke resulting in more exposure to cancer causing chemicals and hazardous gases such as carbon monoxide. ... Water-pipe smokers and secondhand smokers are at risk for the same kinds of diseases as are caused by cigarette smoking, including cancer, heart disease, respiratory disease and adverse effects during pregnancy."

With these health risks in mind, imagine my frustration when I realize that hookahs are being used most frequently by the most vulnerable segment of our population -- teens and young adults. Scientists are currently researching the relationship between water-pipe smoking in teens and young adults and the use of other drugs (including marijuana) or other forms of tobacco. Could hookah smoking serve as the gateway for more tobacco use or other illicit drug use, especially among our youth?

As the WHO attempts to bring global awareness to this issue, I encourage physicians, parents, colleagues and friends to help educate one another on the health hazards of hookah smoking. I believe that the many misconceptions surrounding water-pipe smoking have led to its widespread use in the past decade. While more research is being conducted on water-pipe smoking, I would simply advise against it. As with most recreational drugs, the long-term risks to your health are never worth that temporary high.

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(Dr. Bhatia is a physician and fellow at the University of Arizona Program in Integrative Medicine. She has practiced pediatric emergency medicine for seven years and is certified in holistic medicine, nutrition and acupuncture. She is a recurring medical guest on CNN/Headline News. Please feel free to contact her with questions at tasneembhatia8@yahoo.com.)

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(The medical information provided in this column is for informational purposes only, and is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. If you have any questions regarding a medical condition, always seek the advice of a medical doctor or other qualified health provider.)

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(e-mail: consumerhealth@upi.com)