Waterpipe smoking: a review of pulmonary and health effects. (12th May 2021)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Darawshy, Fares; Abu Rmeileh, Ayman; Kuint, Rottem; Berkman, Neville
• Is Part Of: European respiratory review. Volume 30:Number 160(2021)
• Publication Date: 2021-05-12
• Subjects: Respiratory organs -- Diseases -- Periodicals; Respiratory Tract Diseases; Respiratory organs -- Diseases; Respiratory organs -- Diseases -- Treatment; Electronic journals; Periodical; Periodicals; Periodicals; 616.2
• DOI: 10.1183/16000617.0374-2020
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0905-9180

Abstract

Waterpipe smoking is an old form of tobacco smoking, originating in Persia and the Middle East. The popularity of the waterpipe is increasing worldwide, particularly among young adults, and there are widespread misconceptions regarding its negative health effects. The inhaled smoke of the waterpipe contain several toxic and hazardous materials including nicotine, tar, polyaromatic hydrocarbons and heavy metals, all of which are proven to be related to lung diseases and cancer. Regular waterpipe smoking is associated with respiratory symptoms, a decrease in pulmonary function and increased risk for lung disease such as COPD. Additional negative health effects include increased risk for arterial stiffness, ischaemic heart disease and several cancer types including lung cancer. This review summarises the negative health effects of waterpipe smoking, with emphasis on cardiorespiratory complications. Increased awareness and knowledge amongst healthcare professionals will hopefully help identify waterpipe smokers and promote patient education. Applying World Health Organization (WHO) regulations will provide a synergistic effect in reducing waterpipe use and associated disease. Waterpipe smoking is increasing in popularity worldwide despite its deleterious cardiac and respiratory health effects and associated increased risk of malignancy. There is a need to identify waterpipe smokers, educate them and encourage smoking cessation. https://bit.ly/2YB7K0j