The danger of smoking shisha is actually not much different from ordinary tobacco cigarettes. In fact, there are studies that say that shisha is more harmful to health than regular cigarettes.
Shisha is a method of smoking from the Middle East using a tube filled with water, a bowl, a pipe and a hose. Inside the tube, there is a special tobacco that is heated and added a flavor or aroma, such as fruit.
The smoke from the heated tobacco in the shisha tube is then inhaled through a tube. It is this unique sensation and taste that distinguishes shisha from ordinary tobacco cigarettes.
Not a few think that smoking shisha is harmless, because all the toxins in tobacco have been absorbed by water. In fact, the dangers of smoking shisha are the same as smoking regular tobacco.
What's in Shisha?
Not much different from ordinary cigarettes, shisha also contains tobacco as the main ingredient. Tobacco in shisha contains various toxic substances, such as nicotine, bags, carbon monoxide, arsenic, and lead.
Therefore, the dangers of smoking shisha are not much different from smoking tobacco. In fact, shisha smoke is known to be more toxic than tobacco smoke.
An hour of smoking shisha is equivalent to smoking 40–400 cigarettes, depending on how deeply you inhale the shisha.
A study also showed that the tar in shisha is equivalent to 25 cigarettes of tobacco. Meanwhile, the carbon monoxide in shisa is equivalent to 11 cigarettes.
The Dangers of Smoking Shisha for Health
Shisha cigarettes can provide more toxic substances into the body. Therefore, the dangers of smoking shisha also need to be watched out for, especially if this smoking habit has been carried out for a long period of time.
Smoking shisha is known to increase the risk of certain diseases or medical conditions, such as:
- Cancers, such as oral cancer, lung cancer, stomach cancer, esophageal cancer, and bladder cancer
- Cardiovascular diseases, such as heart disease, stroke, and peripheral artery disease
- Hypertension or high blood pressure
- Tooth and gum problems, such as yellow teeth and gingivitis
- Infections, such as colds, flu, and oral herpes
- Nicotine addiction
- Fertility problems or more difficult to have children
In addition, the dangers of smoking shisha can also occur in pregnant women and fetuses. Shisha cigarette smoke can cause respiratory problems in pregnant women and increase the risk of the fetus being born prematurely, having low birth weight, and congenital diseases.
Effective Ways to Quit Shisha Smoking Habits
Smoking habits, regardless of form, whether shisha cigarettes, e-cigarettes, or regular tobacco cigarettes, are all harmful to health. This danger is not only felt by active smokers, but also passive smokers.
Therefore, if you have a smoking habit, try to start stopping the habit. There are several ways that can be done to help you quit smoking, including:
1. Strengthen the intention to quit smoking
The first step to quitting smoking is with a strong intention and determination. Try to always think positive, discipline yourself, and motivate yourself by making a list of reasons why you should quit smoking.
2. Exercise regularly
Exercise can take your mind off the urge to smoke and deal with stress. Do the type of exercise you enjoy, like swimming, biking, or just taking a leisurely walk around the house.
To stay motivated, do sports with family, friends, or a partner. However, during this pandemic, keep your distance and follow health protocols when exercising.
3. Find friends who also want to quit smoking
The support of those closest to you, such as friends and family, is important to help you quit smoking. In addition, you can also join a community or group of people who also want to overcome smoking addiction, including shisha.
Through this group, you can get various information about the bad effects of shisha and cigarettes, exchange stories, and provide mutual support to get rid of smoking addiction. You can also seek professional help, such as a doctor or psychologist, to deal with smoking addiction.
4. Divert the desire to smoke with other activities
When the urge to smoke arises, try to keep your hands and mouth busy. Do various activities, such as chewing gum or drinking through a straw, to divert the urge to smoke.
There is no safe and healthy word from smoking, including shisha. Therefore, you should consider the dangers of smoking shisha before deciding to smoke in this way.
Love yourself and those around you by avoiding smoking and doing more healthy activities, such as exercising.
If you have certain complaints due to smoking, such as coughing, runny nose, and shortness of breath, or if you find it difficult to stop smoking shisha and other types of cigarettes, try to consult a doctor.
Your doctor will help you find ways to break this bad habit and explain more about the dangers of smoking shisha. If necessary, your doctor can give you medication to help you quit smoking.