Carbon Monoxide Poisoning Following Use of a Narghile: Presentation of Three Case Reports

Narghile, also known as a water pipe, shisha, or hookah, is a type of smoking instrument popular in Indian, Middle Eastern, and Mediterranean countries and has become popular in Europe and North America. Narghile smoke contains high concentrations of carbon monoxide (CO), among other toxic substances, and complications due to CO poisoning after narghile use have been reported by various studies. In this study, three cases were admitted to the emergency department due to CO poisoning after narghile use, and their treatment schemes are presented. The consequences of CO poisoning are important in terms of public health and forensic processes. Therefore, we would like to emphasize that clinicians should be careful about the possibility of CO poisoning due to narghile consumption, especially in closed areas such as narghile cafes. In cases of CO poisoning, forensic case notification should be made, and forensic medicine specialists should be consulted.