An NHS doctor has sounded the alarm over an activity, asserting that engaging in it for merely an hour can have the same harmful impact as ‘smoking over 100 cigarettes’. Dr Suraj Kukadia, who goes by Dr Sooj on social media, took to Instagram to issue his warning amid efforts to bust prevalent myths about smoking shisha.
« Is smoking shisha worse than smoking cigarettes? », he asked his 23,3000 followers. « We know smoking is bad for you and it can increase your risk of strokes, cancers, heart disease and even macular degeneration.
« Many people think that drawing tobacco smoke through water makes it safer than cigarettes, but this is not true. The British Heart Foundation [BHF] says that an average shisha session lasting around [20 to 80 minutes] is equivalent to smoking over 100 cigarettes and this can increase your risk of heart disease, lung disease and circulatory problems. »
Shisha refers to the practice of inhaling tobacco smoke that has bubbled through a bowl of water and then via a hose-like pipe. It is particularly popular in Middle Eastern, North African and Southeast Asian communities, but has recently gained traction in the UK too.
As Dr Sooj indicated, partaking in shisha is not without significant health risks due to the varied toxins it introduces to the body. That includes nicotine, carbon monoxide, tar and possibly ‘heavy metals’ such as arsenic, according to the BHF.
« These chemicals can make the walls of your arteries sticky, so fatty material can stick to them, » the BHF explains. « This process is known as atherosclerosis.
« If the arteries that carry blood to your heart get damaged and clogged, it can lead to a heart attack. If this happens in the arteries that carry blood to your brain, it can lead to a stroke.
« Because of this, shisha smokers can be at risk of the same kinds of diseases as cigarette smokers. » The BHF also highlighted that even tobacco-free shisha isn’t safe due to the ‘harmful levels’ of toxins it produces.
Additionally, second-hand smoke from shisha poses significant risks and can remain in a room for ‘up to five hours’. Advice from the NHS adds: « Like cigarette smoke, waterpipe smoke contains significant levels of cancer-causing chemicals and toxic gases such as carbon monoxide.
« The most effective way to quit smoking and tobacco use is with expert help from a stop smoking adviser. Your free local NHS Stop Smoking service can provide medication and expert support to help you quit.
« Many services also offer support to help you stop using smokeless tobacco…You can find out more about quitting smoking on the Better Health website, or call the Smokefree National Helpline for free on 0300 123 1044 (England only).
« The helpline is open 9am to 8pm Monday to Friday, and 11am to 4pm on Saturday and Sunday. »
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