We smoke hookah to relax and unwind with friends. What does hookah sickness have to do with it, you may ask. However, smokers often report feeling ill because of smoking. We're not talking about a minor hookah "buzz" that subsides after a minute or so. We're talking about symptoms such as nausea, dizziness, and visual impairment.
Disclaimer - These symptoms can be caused by serious illnesses. Therefore, if you feel unwell while smoking hookah more than a few times, it is worth seeing a doctor.
Hookah "buzz" as well as hookah "disease" usually happens to beginners. The fact is that each person has a different level of tolerance to nicotine. Especially if newbies starting to smoke hookah have never even smoked cigarettes. In this case, mild hookah symptoms are quite normal and should not be a cause for concern. There are also some useful tips on how to avoid getting sick from hookah.
Step #1 - avoid dehydration
Fluids are extremely important to our health and help our bodies function properly. Because we are mostly made up of water (65-70% of our body is made up of water), we simply can't feel good if we are dehydrated. So, if you didn't drink enough water today, and you have a hookah party planned for tonight, chances are very high that you could get the symptoms of hookah disease. In order to enjoy a hookah, you need to keep track of the amount of liquid you drink throughout the day. A very simple step, right? Also try to drink water, tea or other liquids while smoking. This will also help your body maintain a normal heart rate.
Step #2 - don't forget to have a good snack before smoking hookah
Nicotine affects your blood pressure by increasing it. And high blood pressure, in turn, can bother the stomach, causing nausea. Therefore, light snacks can help avoid nausea when smoking hookah.
Although we say "light snacks," it should still be something more substantial than a muffin or a banana. Eat a sandwich or any dish of noodles - in this case, the extra carbohydrates will do you good.
Step #3 - Don't take too many puffs
Too active smoking is bound to cause nausea and weakness. Let us remind you once again - hookah is designed to relax and soothe in the company of friends. It is not a competition in which the one who took the most puffs wins.
Step #4 - you need to heat the charcoal properly
Charcoal must be heated to a uniform amber-red color. Although this takes time, there is no way around this step. Charcoal can release carbon monoxide if it is not heated properly. Just make sure that there are no black spots left on the charcoal being heated. This is a very simple but important step to avoid feeling unwell.
Step #5 - Use only quality tobacco and charcoal
Hookah smoking, like cigarette smoking, cannot be considered a healthy hobby. But you should use only the highest quality tobacco and charcoal. Taking care of your health in this way can save your life.
Step #6 - Smoke hookah ONLY in well-ventilated rooms
We put this step at number 6, but that does not mean that this detail can be neglected. On the contrary, it is extremely important. Smoking hookah in rooms or places that do not have professional and properly functioning ventilation systems is a major cause of hookah disease.
During smoking, many gases are released into this area, which can accumulate there, leading to nausea, headaches, and dizziness.
Tips for alleviating the symptoms of hookah disease
If you have followed all the requirements described above and you still feel ill while smoking hookah, then it is time to see a doctor. However, if the reason for feeling unwell is really dehydration, this problem is easily solved. Or if you didn't have enough time to have a snack before the bong party. In this case, we know how you can reduce the symptoms.
The most important thing to do is to go outside from the room in which you smoked. If you feel very dizzy, you need to sit down. Even if there is nowhere to sit down at all. It's better to sit down on the ground than to faint, don't you agree? After getting out into the fresh air, it is advisable to drink as much water as you can drink at all. Even if you're not dehydrated, your heart rate is likely to be quite high. And water is what your heart needs to get back to normal.
Taking vitamin C can also help you feel better. Of course, we don't usually carry a vitamin kit in our pockets. So just eat any fruit rich in vitamin C. This can be kiwi, citrus fruits, strawberries, blackberries or cranberries.
We wish you to stay healthy and enjoy your hookah. And now you know what to do if you ever feel unwell during a hookah party.