January 11, 2024

Man hospitalised for two weeks following complications caused by smoking hubbly

A distressing incident has unfolded in Mahikeng, North West, where Bakang Rankokwa, 30, found himself in the ICU for two weeks, fighting for his life after suffering a stroke linked to smoking hookah.
SABC News reported that an X-ray revealed a hole in one of Rankokwa's lungs, filled with water and blood, underscoring the severe impact of the incident on his health. The nurses conveyed that Rankokwa was fortunate to have survived this critical situation.
This cautionary tale has quickly spread through social media platforms like WhatsApp, prompting concerned parents to use the news clip as a warning to their children about the risks associated with smoking hookah.
Rankokwa's alarming health condition has ignited a vigorous online discussion on the hazards of smoking vapes and hookah, particularly among younger users. The news clip has gone viral, instigating a necessary debate on this crucial health topic.
Despite its social allure, smoking hookah has been associated with many of the same dangers as cigarette smoking. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) notes that hookah smokers may be exposed to more toxins than conventional cigarette smokers due to longer sessions and increased inhalations.
When individuals smoke hookah, they inhale not only flavored tobacco but also carbon monoxide, metals, and other carcinogens known to elevate the risk of cancer. The Mayo Clinic suggests that long-term hookah smoking may contribute to lung cancer, respiratory illnesses, low birth weight, and periodontal disease.
In 2013, a study titled "Hubbly Bubbly: Masquerading the Dangers," conducted by a research team from the University of Cape Town, emphasized the risks associated with hookah smoking, including an increased exposure to smoke, a risk factor for various health issues such as lung cancer, cardiovascular disease, and adverse pregnancy outcomes.
While hookah pipes are often perceived as safer than cigarettes, the study warns that they may be even more harmful. The study also highlighted peer influence as a significant factor in initiating hookah use.
The South African Tobacco Control policy restricts smoking in public places, but hookah pipes have evaded these regulations. UCT's strict tobacco-usage policies may have deterred hookah use on its campus.
The modern world of e-cigarettes or vapes has sparked controversy, with marketing claims of being a safer alternative to cigarettes. However, the American Lung Association states that e-cigarettes are not safe and can harm the lungs. Nicotine and other substances in e-liquids can be addictive and negatively impact brain development, particularly in adolescents.
Recent incidents, like the outbreak of EVALI in 2019, have brought the potential dangers of vaping to the forefront. The CDC linked vitamin E acetate, used as a thickening agent in vaping products, to the EVALI outbreak.
Both hookah and vaping have a cumulative effect over time, leading to chronic health issues. The World Health Organization (WHO) warns of cardiovascular diseases, cancers, and respiratory conditions as potential outcomes of these smoking habits.
Rankokwa's case serves as a stark reminder of the severe health risks associated with smoking hookah, dispelling illusions of its safety over traditional tobacco products. It underscores the urgent need for awareness about the potential health hazards posed by hookah and the importance of discouraging its use, especially among the youth.


Source: IOL