• Nicolas Bonadies, André Tichelli, and Alicia Rovó.
• Department of Internal Medicine and Haematology, University Hospital Basel, Basel, Switzerland.
• BMJ Case Rep. 2013 Jan 1;2013.

AbstractWater-pipe (shisha) smoking is increasingly popular among young people in Europe and North America. The proponents claim that smoking water-pipe is much 'cleaner' than cigarettes. Although, a recent analysis of toxicant yields during 1-2 h water-pipe smoking resulted comparable to 100-200 cigarettes. We report a case of a 25-year-old patient with elevated haemoglobin, impaired concentration and reduced physical performance. Molecular investigations for JAK2 mutations and BCR-ABL fusion transcripts were negative and the arterial blood gas analysis revealed an elevated carboxyhaemoglobin of 6.1%. In a follow-up visit, the patient disclosed excessive shisha smoking. Secondary polycythaemia was diagnosed caused by chronic carbon monoxide poisoning. After cessation of shisha smoking all blood values returned to normal ranges within 6 weeks. Owing to the increasing popularity of water-pipe smoking and the anticipated health risks, our report should help to enhance awareness and advocate more information in tobacco prevention programmes on its potential toxicities.

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