Abstract

Background: Carbon monoxide poisoning is a major public health problem. Carbon monoxide poisoning primarily results from fires and suicide attempts in developed countries. In contrast, in Turkey, fossil-fuels used for heating systems such as stoves and central heating boilers are leading causes of carbon monoxide poisoning. This study aims to compare the basal carboxyhemoglobin levels and post-water pipe smoking carboxyhemoglobin levels. We also aim to determine whether water pipe smoking is a potential cause of carbon monoxide poisoning by identifying the symptoms associated with it.

Methodology: This is a prospective cross-sectional study. Blood samples were taken on the 1^st hour of a water pipe smoking session for venous blood gas testing. Carboxyhemoglobin, lactate, and pH levels were studied. The potential symptoms were questioned after water pipe smoking. Vital signs were recorded. The second blood samples were taken from the volunteers at least 24 hours after water pipe smoking. Carboxyhemoglobin, blood pH and lactate levels in venous blood gas and vital signs on the 1^st hour of water pipe smoking were compared with those determined 24 hours after smoking.

Results: 45 volunteers participated in the study. Twenty-four of them were cigarette smokers, and 21 were not. The carboxyhemoglobin levels of volunteers after water pipe smoking were significantly higher than their basal carboxyhemoglobin levels. Systolic blood pressures and pulse rates were also considerably higher after water pipe smoking. Carboxyhemoglobin levels of cigarette smokers after water pipe smoking were significantly higher than those of non-cigarette smokers.

Conclusion: Water pipe smoking causes significantly increased carboxyhemoglobin levels. This increase is higher than that found in cigarette smokers.

Keywords: Water Pipe Smoking; Carboxyhemoglobin; Carbon Monoxide Poisoning

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