Shisha, sometimes referred to as a hookah or water pipe, is a smoking instrument for flavored tobacco. This ancient custom is widely practiced around the world, but especially in South Asia and the Middle East. A typical shisha session involves heating specially flavored tobacco in a bowl, then inhaling the smoke through a hose that is attached to a mouthpiece after it has passed through water.
While many view shisha smoking as a social and cultural activity, it’s imperative to recognize that it carries health risks similar to other forms of tobacco use. The flavored tobacco in shisha contains nicotine and various harmful substances, and water filtration does not eliminate all these detrimental components.
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As a result, engaging in shisha use can have adverse effects on health, increasing the risk of lung and heart diseases. It’s crucial for individuals to be mindful of these risks and make informed decisions regarding their well-being.
Smoking shisha, much like other forms of tobacco use, poses significant health risks, leading to various short-term and long-term side effects. Some of the major health risks and side effects associated with smoking shisha include:
Short-Term Effects
Exposure to Carbon Monoxide: Shisha smoke contains a lot of carbon monoxide, which increases the chance of developing symptoms of carbon monoxide poisoning, including headaches, lightheadedness, and nausea.
Dehydration Issues: Due to the heat and the effects of tobacco, smoking shisha can cause dehydration, which can manifest as symptoms like dry mouth and throat.
Nicotine Dependency: The extremely addictive chemical nicotine is present in shit tobacco. Dependency and addiction may develop as a result of regular use.
Respiratory Discomfort: Coughing, wheezing, and shortness of breath may result from breathing in shisha smoke, which can irritate the respiratory system.
Elevated Heart Rate: Smoking shisha may cause a brief rise in blood pressure and heart rate, which could lead to cardiovascular issues.
Long-Term Health Risks
Cancer: Shisha smoke contains carcinogens, which increase the risk of developing various cancers, including lung, throat, and mouth cancer.
Respiratory Disorders: Long-term shisha smoking can lead to chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), chronic bronchitis, and other respiratory disorders.
Heart Disease: Shisha smoking can contribute to the development of heart diseases, including coronary artery disease.
Pregnancy Complications: Pregnant women exposed to shisha smoke are at an increased risk of complications such as low birth weight and premature birth.
Infectious Diseases: Sharing the same mouthpiece can spread infectious diseases like herpes and tuberculosis.
Infertility: Studies have indicated that smoking shisha can affect male fertility. The chemicals in shisha smoke may damage sperm quality and reduce sperm count, making it difficult for men to father children.
Sexual Health Issues: Smoking shisha can negatively impact sexual health in men. It may lead to erectile dysfunction, reducing sexual performance and overall satisfaction.
Skin Damage: Shisha smoking can lead to premature aging of the skin, causing wrinkles and a dull complexion. It can also worsen existing skin conditions like psoriasis.
Source: Flexhealthtips.com
