Waterpipe smoking is a means of tobacco use in which the user inhales smoke from a long, soft tube that pulls smoke through the device and out of a bowl of water. Waterpipe smoking, also known as hookah, narghile, argileh, goza, chica, Kalyan, shisha, and hubble-bubble, emerged about 500 years ago in India and Iran before spreading to other countries and is now a growing epidemic. There is strong evidence that water pipe smoking is harmful to human health.

Previous studies have shown that nicotine (the major source of waterpipe addiction), carbon monoxide (which can cause hypoxia and cellular respiratory disorders), polycyclic hydrocarbons (well-known carcinogens or potential carcinogens), and other toxicants (e.g., heavy metals, tar, and particulate matter) were found in mainstream waterpipe smoke. Notably, the amounts of these toxicants mentioned above may even be higher in waterpipe smoke than in cigarette smoke Bong.

A systematic review and meta-analysis found that waterpipe smoking was associated with heightened odds of certain types of cancer. Another review suggested that regular waterpipe smoking was positively associated with respiratory symptoms, lung disease, and reduced pulmonary function. Munzel et al. also found that waterpipe and other tobacco products (tobacco cigarettes and e-cigarettes) use might increase the burden of symptoms in patients with coronavirus disease 2019 and cause more serious health consequences.

The harmful effects of waterpipe smoking are not restricted to adults, with adverse health effects such as acute lung infection and injury, carbon monoxide poisoning, and subclinical consequences (e.g., lung function decline, oral and systemic genotoxicity, and the alteration of vascular and hemodynamic functions) found among adolescent. Abbadi et al. found that waterpipe nicotine dependence was associated with depressive symptoms among adolescents.

Alomari et al. reported that waterpipe smoking could inhibit the brain-derived neurotrophic factor (which is pivotal for neuronal survival, migration, dendritic arborization, synaptogenesis and differentiation) among adolescents. In addition, Ramoa et al. called on health care and dental care professionals to focus on the increasing popularity of waterpipe smoking among adolescents due to the potential oral hazards.

The filtering effect water pipes have on tobacco and other legal substances makes them somewhat healthier. Here are just a few advantageous facts about smoking with a water pipe: A water pipe is a somewhat easier way for newcomers to try smoking. The bubbles the pipe produces during inhalation make the smoke smoother on the throat than the average cigarette or cigar. Shallower breaths for much shorter periods can help a newcomer ease into the experience of smoking for the first time.

The main reason why many smokers might opt for a water pipe is pure because they won’t irritate the smoker’s throat like cigarettes, roll-up tobacco or cigars can. Warm water kills off any bacteria in the smoke, offering a cleaner inhalation while cool water will subsequently cool it. This can reduce exposure to common smoking-related conditions such as bronchitis when used in moderation.

Unlike a homemade plastic or aluminium one, a glass water pipe can help reduce the additional chemicals water pipes are often criticized for exposing consumers to . Re-using dirty water or cleaning solution certainly isn’t healthy. Neglecting to clean your water pipe cancels out its filtering effect, so make sure that you clean your pipe thoroughly and regularly. For information on how to clean your water pipe, check out this read on some of the many ways to clean your glass.