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Secondary polycythaemia with elevated carbon monoxide levels due to hookah pipe smoking: A public health concern.
Abstract
Hookah pipe (HP) smoking is perceived as a harmless activity, enjoyed by young adults and high school-going children. Awareness of the health impact of recreational habits, and their intersection with new social norms in the COVID-era, requires critical review. We describe a case series of young HP smokers presenting with secondary polycythaemia with significant clinical sequelae necessitating extensive work-up. HP smoking may lead to acute and chronic carbon monoxide intoxication, with resultant secondary polycythaemia and complications including provoked thrombosis.
Authors' affiliations
T Moodley, Haematology Department, Lancet Laboratories, Johannesburg, South Africa
K T Mannaru, Haematology Department, Lancet Laboratories, Johannesburg, South Africa
A Hugo, Haematology Department, Lancet Laboratories, Johannesburg, South Africa
J A Lines, Haematology Department, Lancet Laboratories, Johannesburg, South Africa
J M van der Merwe, Haematology Department, Lancet Laboratories, Johannesburg, South Africa
N Ramparsad, Haematology Department, Lancet Laboratories, Johannesburg, South Africa
N S Holland, Haematology Department, Lancet Laboratories, Johannesburg, South Africa
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Date published: 2021-10-05
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