Dtsch Arztebl Int
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Water pipe (hookah) smoking has become a common activity in Germany, particularly among adolescents and young adults; in 2011, its lifetime prevalence was as high as 68.8%. Similar trends can be seen in other European countries. Water-pipe smokers are exposed to the same health-endangering substances as cigarette smokers, and the inhaled amount of carbon monoxide (CO) can be as much as ten times as high. In CO intoxication, carboxyhemoglobin is formed and causes direct injury at the cellular level, leading to hypoxia and nonspecific neuro logical manifestations. There have only been ten reported cases around the world of CO intoxication due to the use of a water pipe, and none of these were fatal. It should be recalled, however, that accidental CO intoxication is common and is associated with high morbidity and mortality. ⋯ This case series reveals that CO intoxication due to water-pipe smoking is probably more common than is generally realized. Emergency room staff should be aware of this problem and inquire specifically about water-pipe smoking in patients with nonspecific neurological manifestations.
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Chronic recurrent oral aphthous ulcers are the most common type of inflammatory efflorescence of the oral mucosa, with a prevalence of 2% to 10% in Caucasian populations. To treat them properly, physicians should know their clinical appearance and course, conditioning factors, underlying causes, and differential diagnosis. ⋯ The treatment of chronic recurrent oral aphthous ulcers is symptomatic, mainly with topically applied agents. It is tailored to the severity of the problem in the individual case, i.e., the frequency of ulcers, the intensity of pain, and the responsiveness of the lesions to treatment. Effective treatment relieves pain, lessens functional impairment, and lowers the frequency and severity of recurrences.