What Researchers Did
This case report describes a patient who suffered severe carbon monoxide poisoning after lighting coals for a water pipe at a hookah bar.
What They Found
A patient developed severe carbon monoxide poisoning with a carboxyhemoglobin (COHgb) level of 33.8%, becoming unconscious and showing cardiac ischaemia on an electrocardiogram. These symptoms resolved after treatment with hyperbaric oxygen therapy. This was the first reported case of occupational carbon monoxide exposure in a hookah bar employee and the highest COHgb level reported from hookah use.
Canadian Relevance
This study covers carbon monoxide poisoning, which is a Health Canada-recognised indication for hyperbaric oxygen therapy. No direct Canadian connection was identified for the study itself.
Study Limitations
As a single case report, these findings cannot be broadly applied to all patients with carbon monoxide poisoning.