A person who smokes a hookah (also known as shisha, nargile or waterpipe) may have exposure to carbon monoxide.
Risk factors for carbon monoxide exposure:
(1) large tobacco bowl
(2) poorly ventilated space
(3) multiple hookas (as in a hookah bar)
(4) having smoldering coals as an ignition source
(5) heavy and recurrent use
(6) recurrent passive exposure, as in a hookah bar attendant
The patient may have nonspecific complaints such as headache, nausea and/or dizziness.
Measurement of blood carboxyhemoglobin is needed to accurately confirm the diagnosis.
