What is shisha?

Shisha is a common name for waterpipe smoking, which is a traditional method of smoking tobacco in the Middle East, India and Africa. Shisha originated in ancient Persia and India but today, waterpipe smoking can be found around the world. Waterpipes are also referred to as ‘hookah’, ‘arghile’, ‘narghile’, ‘goza’ or ‘hubble bubble’.

A traditional waterpipe is made up of five parts: the head, body, bowl, hose and mouthpiece. The smoker breathes in through the mouthpiece and tobacco smoke is drawn from the head, down the body, through the water in the bowl and into the mouth.

Health effects of waterpipe use

Just like cigarettes, there are significant negative health effects associated with using waterpipes or inhaling the secondhand smoke. Upon use, a waterpipe will immediately increase your heart rate, blood pressure and carbon monoxide levels. It can also alter your voice and make it harder to exercise. Additionally, shared mouthpieces and hoses may pass on diseases including, hepatitis, herpes and lung infections.

Waterpipes put you at risk of the following:

• Lung, stomach and throat cancer
• Respiratory illnesses such as emphysema and bronchitis
• Gum disease
• Carbon monoxide poisoning
• Reduced lung function

If you use waterpipes while pregnant, your baby will also be at risk of low birth weight which can lead to other health problems.