Carbon monoxide poisoning by hookah smoking

Hookahs play an increasingly important role in recreational activities even in Western culture. But the risks are often underestimated by consumers. It can lead to a deadly carbon monoxide poisoning.

The belief that tracing the hookah is a less toxic smoke than that of a cigarette is widespread. In fact, however, just as much tar and cancer-causing toxins are absorbed as with cigarettes. The amount of carbon monoxide can be even comparatively ten times the dose. In the worst case, potentially fatal carbon monoxide poisoning is the result.

Carbon monoxide poisoning is one of the most common poisonings in Germany. The symptoms are often nonspecific. They range from dizziness, headaches or nausea to heart rhythm disorders or unconsciousness. In addition to the immediate symptoms also neurological late damage is known. This is another reason why a fast therapy is important within the first four hours if possible.

Carbon monoxide poisoning severely limits blood oxygen transport through binding to hemoglobin, the oxygen-binding red blood pigment. The cause is the 200 to 300-fold increased binding capacity of carbon monoxide. Once in the cell, carbon monoxide blocks the respiratory center in the cell, preventing oxygen utilization. Consequence can be a life-threatening oxygen deficiency in the tissues.

A young man in Leipzig recently became unconscious in the shisha bar several times, which made it easy to establish a connection between hookah consumption and unconsciousness. He was successfully treated by a hyperbaric oxygen therapy in the pressure chamber in the University of Leipzig. (Pm)

Image: Daniel Knußmann