E-cigarette use and respiratory symptoms in adults: A systematic review and meta-analysis.

INTRODUCTION: Electronic cigarette (e-cigarette) use is gaining popularity among adults. Monitoring e-cigarette-induced respiratory symptoms is crucial for both clinical and regulatory purposes. We systematically reviewed the current literature to understand the prevalence of respiratory symptoms among exclusive e-cigarette users, dual users, and former smokers. METHODS: Databases searched included PubMed, CINAHL, Cochrane Library, Embase, and Scopus. We included all English-language, empirical quantitative articles that explored the prevalence of e-cigarette-related respiratory symptoms. Random-effects models were utilized in conducting the meta-analyses. The quality of identified studies was evaluated using the NIH Study Quality Assessment Tools. This study is registered with PROSPERO(#CRD42020165973). RESULTS: The literature search identified 1240 references. After removing duplicates and screening for eligibility, 168 studies were included in the final review. The majority of included studies reported a wide range of adverse respiratory symptoms. The respiratory symptoms were prevalent among the exclusive e-cigarette users, dual users, and those who switched from combustible cigarettes to e-cigarettes. Further, out of the RCT studies, 5 were rated as good quality, while 3 were rated as fair. Among the observational studies, 24 were rated as good quality, and 9 were rated as fair. The two experimental studies were both rated as fair quality. CONCLUSIONS: Continued monitoring of respiratory symptoms among e-cigarette users is warranted. Due to the heterogeneity and inconsistencies among studies, which limit result interpretation and highlight the need for studies assessing causal inference, further research using robust study designs is essential. This will provide clinicians with comprehensive knowledge about the potential respiratory risks of e-cigarette use.

Vaping Behavior in Young Adults During the COVID-19 Pandemic.

BACKGROUND: Electronic nicotine delivery systems (ENDS) continue to be popular among young adults. These devices are often advertised as a healthy alternative to quitting tobacco cigarettes. However, young adults represent a population who view it as a novel behavior that provides a sense of popularity, social acceptance, and desired physiologic properties. The objective of this study was to examine characteristics of vaping behavior among college students and explore possible associations between groups of vaping behavior (stopped, initiated, increased, decreased, stayed the same). METHODS: In a multi-center cross-sectional study, 656 students from University of Tampa in the United States and University of Applied Sciences in Germany (IST) were recruited to answer a 31-item online questionnaire. A chi-square test was used to evaluate associations between the groups. RESULTS: Prevalence rates indicated approximately 31% of all students were currently using ENDS. Even though more negative than positive experiences with ENDS were reported, most students stated their vaping increased during COVID-19 lockdowns. Addiction and stress relief emerged to be predictors (P < .001) of an increase in vaping, whereas social motives were not statistically significant. Living situation (P = .63) and depression (P = .10) were not significantly associated with vaping behavior. CONCLUSIONS: ENDS products continue to yield very high levels of nicotine creating addiction in young adults. Addiction counseling and evidenced-based practices should be employed at every level (individual, community, and school). Additionally, mental health counseling for students in pandemic and high-stress environments may help to combat stress in a more proactive manner than self-medicating.

Perceived Stress and Impact on Role Functioning in University Students with Migraine-Like Headaches during COVID-19.

Migraines, a chronic disease, can be debilitating in university students, affecting their academic performance, attendance, and social interactions. The purpose of this study was to identify the impact of COVID-19 on the role functioning and perceived stress levels of students suffering from migraine-like headaches. METHODS: Two identical cross-sectional surveys were sent to students in Fall 2019 and Spring 2021 at a mid-sized university in the U.S. The students were queried on the headache impact scale (HIT-6) and perceived stress scale (PSS-10). Associations between the migraine-like headaches, severity of the headaches, stress levels, and headache impacts on the individuals' role functioning were analyzed. RESULTS: The average age of the respondents (n = 721) was 20.81 ± 4.32 years in 2019 and (n = 520) 20.95 ± 3.19 years in 2021. A difference (p = 0.044) was found in the HIT-6 score <49 category. The other categories of the HIT-6 and the PSS-10 were not significant. CONCLUSIONS: During COVID-19, more students answered that their migraine-like headaches had lower impacts on their role functioning, thus suggesting that the students were having less severe migraines. A trend was seen for student's stress levels, indicating a decrease from 2019 to 2021. Furthermore, our results showed that the impact of headaches and stress levels slightly declined throughout the pandemic.

Understanding Adverse Childhood Experiences as Predictors of Cigarette and E-Cigarette Use.

INTRODUCTION: Adverse childhood experiences contribute to both short- and long-term health issues and negative health behaviors that affect the individual as well as families and communities. Exposure to ≥4 of the 11 adverse childhood experiences (high adverse childhood experiences) compounds the problems in later life. This study assesses the associations among tobacco use, adverse childhood experiences, mental health, and community health. METHODS: This study was a secondary data analysis utilizing a large 2019 data set from a Community Health Needs Assessment in Florida (N=14,056). Investigators utilized inferential statistics to determine adverse childhood experiences as a predictor of tobacco use (vaping and cigarette use). In addition, they examined whether a shorter, 2-question adverse childhood experience scale was equivalent to the full scale when predicting tobacco use. RESULTS: The results indicated that parental divorce was the most common household stressor, followed by mental illness and alcoholism. High adverse childhood experiences were found to be most prominent in marginalized individuals. For those individuals experiencing ≥4 adverse childhood experiences, parental divorce continued to rank high, followed by mental illness. Household stressors included emotional and physical abuse as the most prevalent in the ≥4 adverse childhood experience group. High adverse childhood experiences were associated with current cigarette smoking (AOR=1.56) after controlling for individual mental health and social/community health variables. High adverse childhood experiences were also associated with E-cigarette use (AOR=1.81) but not dual cigarette/E-cigarette use. Social and community health was inversely associated with tobacco use. A 2-item adverse childhood experiences measure was sufficient in identifying tobacco users. CONCLUSIONS: Including adverse childhood experiences in community needs assessments provides important information for tobacco control efforts and prevention of chronic disease.

The Impact of Smoking on Maximum Oxygen Uptake.

BACKGROUND: This systematic literature review summarizes the impact of smoking on maximal oxygen uptake (maximum [Formula: see text]). METHODS: Full-text articles were retrieved if the abstract met the assigned criteria. A total of 9 articles were included in the final review based on the inclusion and exclusion criteria. These included articles assessed the effects of tobacco smoking on maximum [Formula: see text] values. RESULTS: Half of the articles reported a significant difference in maximum [Formula: see text] scores between smokers and nonsmokers, with smokers having a lower maximum [Formula: see text]. The other half of the articles did not identify significant differences between smokers and nonsmokers. One study found a significant difference in maximum [Formula: see text] in only one age group (ie, 20-29 y), but not any of the other age groups. CONCLUSIONS: More research is needed on the effects of smoking on maximum [Formula: see text] to better understand any relationships or causations.

A Naturalistic Study of Carbon Monoxide, Heart Rate, Oxygen Saturation, and Perfusion Index in Hookah Lounge Patrons.

BACKGROUND: Waterpipe (also known as hookah) smokers are exposed to several toxicants, heavy metals, and carcinogens. This study assessed physiologic data from hookah bar participants in an urban area in Florida. We hypothesized that hookah lounge patrons would have a decreased [Formula: see text] and perfusion index, as well as an increased heart rate and exhaled carbon monoxide (CO) levels upon exiting the bars. METHODS: Exhaled CO levels, heart rate, pulse oximetry for carboxyhemoglobin, and perfusion index were obtained immediately before entering the hookah lounges and after exiting hookah lounges on a sample size of 200 patrons attending hookah lounges. Averages were then used for Wilcoxon signed-rank tests to assess differences across means. RESULTS: Combining data from both hookah smokers and concurrent smokers, the mean CO measurements went from 5.7 ppm prior to lounge entry to 66.5 ppm after the lounge visit (P < .001). Conversion to carboxyhemoglobin for all hookah smokers represents an increase from 1.5% to 10.6% (P < .001). Carboxyhemoglobin mean values as measured with pulse oximetry increased from 1.4% prior to the lounge visit to 7.2% after the lounge visit (P < .001). The mean heart rate for the subjects also increased from 90.3 beats/min to 94.2 beats/min (P < .001). [Formula: see text] levels decreased from 98.4% to 97.8% (P < .001). Similarly, the mean perfusion index decreased from 3.1% to 2.7% (P = .002). CONCLUSIONS: Hookah lounge smokers in the United States are exposed to high levels of CO that have the potential for detrimental health effects, as evidenced by rapid negative changes in physiological parameters. Respiratory therapists should be aware of potential cardiovascular changes in hookah lounge patrons who enter emergency rooms and health facilities due to recent exposures.

Prevalence of childhood asthma in US military and non-military families: Comparisons by rural-urban residence and geographic region.

OBJECTIVE: We sought to determine variables associated with asthma among children from military and non-military families. METHODS: We performed secondary data analysis on the 2016 Behavioral Risk Factor Surveillance System. Parents with and without military experience (n = 61,079) were asked whether a child ever had asthma and currently has asthma. We used two multiple logistic regression models to determine the influence of rurality and geographic region on "ever" and "current" asthma in children of military and non-military families, while controlling for socio-demographic and behavioral variables. RESULTS: Overall childhood asthma prevalence for children in military families was lower than non-military families (ever, 9.7% vs. 12.9%; currently, 6.2% vs. 8.2%) in 2016. However, multiple logistic regression showed variation in "ever" and "current" asthma among children of military and non-military families by rurality and race. DISCUSSION: Developers of public health asthma interventions should consider targeting African-American children of military families living in urban areas. This population is approximately twice as likely to have asthma as Caucasian children of non-military families.

An Analysis of Associations Between Electronic Nicotine Delivery System Users.

BACKGROUND: Electronic nicotine-delivery systems have been increasing in prevalence among young adults. Although these devices are marketed to aid in quit smoking, young adults who do not smoke traditional cigarettes are using these devices. This study explored associations between individuals' quit type (ie, no plans to quit, plans to quit, or quit > 6 months ago) and perceived health status, perception of harm compared to cigarettes, perception of secondhand vapor harm, and reasons for first use. METHODS: We utilized a cross-sectional study design using a 33-item electronic survey questionnaire. The total sample size was 2,792. Out of these the ENDS users were 1,217. The survey was distributed to university students in 5 areas in 3 countries: the United States (ie, Florida, Alabama, and Illinois), Germany (ie, Hamburg) and South Africa (ie, Potchefstroom). RESULTS: Quantitative data analysis indicated that, regardless of quit status, there was a general lack of knowledge regarding secondhand vapor effects. Additionally, young adults are utilizing these products primarily due to peer influence and stress relief. Harm perception may factor into quit attempts using electronic nicotine-delivery systems. CONCLUSIONS: Education provided by respiratory therapists (and to respiratory therapy students) would be valuable as they inform patients and communities of the scholarly literature on vaping devices.

Perceptions of non-traditional tobacco products between asthmatic and non-asthmatic college students.

OBJECTIVE: Electronic nicotine delivery systems (ENDS) use is common among college students and there are perceptions that ENDS are not as harmful as traditional cigarettes. The aim of this study was to examine differences in ENDS use, risk perceptions, and co-occurring smoking behaviors between college students with and without asthma. METHODS: The study consisted of a cross-sectional online survey with a final sample size of 898 college students. The voluntary participation survey was disseminated to all undergraduate and graduate students at a mid-sized liberal arts university in the Southeast U.S. in the Fall of 2014. RESULTS: Approximately 19.7% reported that they had been previously diagnosed with asthma. Forty three percent of participants (n = 384) used ENDS in the past 30 days. Equivalent percentages of college students with asthma (46.9%) and college students without asthma (46.9%) have tried ENDS. Overall participants indicated that they perceived ENDS use as less (44%) or equally (38%) as harmful as cigarettes. College students with asthma had 2.85 (95% CI: 1.18-6.89) greater odds of being in the poly-user class, which was characterized by dual use of ENDS, combustible cigarettes, hookah, and marijuana. CONCLUSIONS: In this study, college students with asthma were similar to their peers with regard to their use of ENDS and related risk perceptions; however, a small subsample of those with asthma exhibited problematic smoking behaviors characterized by dual use of multiple tobacco products including marijuana.

Patterns, Perception and Behavior of Electronic Nicotine Delivery Systems Use and Multiple Product Use Among Young Adults.

BACKGROUND: Electronic nicotine delivery systems (ENDS) are battery-operated devices used to inhale vaporized or aerosolized nicotine. There is increasing research uncovering negative health effects of these devices. Less is known about the social and behavioral aspects among college students. METHODS: This cross-sectional study was conducted at a mid-sized private university in Florida. The survey was sent via e-mail to the student body of undergraduates. A final sample size of 989 students was analyzed to understand demographic differences between users and nonusers, initiation factors, and influencers, as well as multiple product behaviors. RESULTS: Approximately 51.4% (n = 508) of participants reported ever using an ENDS and other tobacco consumption. Males were significantly more likely to be users of ENDS. Polytobacco use, or the use of multiple tobacco products, was also more common among participants who have tried ENDS (P < .001). Perceptions of harm of both the primary and secondary vapor were considered to be less than that of conventional cigarettes. Peers were the primary influencer for initial use. A 4-class latent variable model differentiated between usage patterns characterized as abstainers (70%), hookah users only (14%), ENDS only (11%), and polytobacco users (4%). CONCLUSIONS: ENDS are not commonly used as a quit tool among college students, but rather as a secondary source of nicotine, most commonly in current smokers.

Beliefs and Attitudes Associated With Hookah Smoking Among a United States College Population.

BACKGROUND: This study explores the differences among smokers of waterpipe tobacco in a college population to better inform campaigns to curb waterpipe use. METHODS: Participants included undergraduate and graduate students attending a liberal arts university in Florida. E-mail-based, cross-sectional surveys were collected in 2 sequential years. RESULTS: The majority of respondents (64%) reported having ever smoked a hookah, even if just 1-2 puffs. Of those who had ever smoked a hookah, 34% reported smoking a hookah within the previous 30 d. Constructs from the theory of reasoned action were all correlated with smoking behavior. The range of beliefs endorsed by smokers were more strongly associated with hookah-related attitudes compared with subjective norms. Concerns about health were stronger among never-smokers. CONCLUSIONS: Young adult college students continue to engage in waterpipe tobacco smoking at high rates. Campaigns need to focus on subsets of smokers and nonsmokers, independently.

A Systematic Review of the Respiratory Effects of Inhalational Marijuana.

This systematic review focuses on respiratory effects of inhalational marijuana. The systematic review of the literature was conducted using a comparative method between 2 researchers. Abstracts were reviewed for inclusion of respiratory effects related to inhalational marijuana. Relevant abstracts were collected, and full text articles were retrieved for review. Articles were removed if they did not contain burning marijuana; were animal studies; or were editorials, systematic reviews, commentaries, non-English language, or non-respiratory-related articles. Forty-eight articles were collected and categorized by respiratory effects. In particular, lung cancer, bullous emphysema/COPD, and other respiratory symptoms were the primary categories. Articles were noted by study population country, sample size, age distribution, and findings that were pertinent to respiratory health. The research indicates that there is a risk of lung cancer from inhalational marijuana as well as an association between inhalational marijuana and spontaneous pneumothorax, bullous emphysema, or COPD. A variety of symptoms have been reported by inhalational marijuana smokers, including wheezing, shortness of breath, altered pulmonary function tests, cough, phlegm production, bronchodilation, and other symptoms. It is important to stay current with research findings to educate patients on this smoking behavior.

Waterpipe tobacco smoking impact on public health: implications for policy.

BACKGROUND: Given the increasing evidence of its negative health effects, including contributions to both infectious and chronic diseases, waterpipe tobacco smoking raises public health concerns beyond even those presented by traditional smoking. METHODS: Identification of Clean Indoor Air Acts (CIAAs) from each of the 50 United States and District of Columbia were retrieved and examined for inclusion of regulatory measures where waterpipe tobacco smoking is concerned. Several instances of exemption to current CIAAs policies were identified. The cumulative policy lens is presented in this study. RESULTS: States vary in their inclusion of explicit wording regarding CIAAs to the point where waterpipe tobacco smoking, unlike traditional smoking products, is excluded from some legislation, thereby limiting authorities' ability to carry out enforcement. CONCLUSION: Consistent, comprehensive, and unambiguous legislative language is necessary to prevent establishments where waterpipe tobacco smoking occurs from skirting legislation and other forms of regulatory control. Stricter laws are needed due to the increasing negative health impact on both the smoker and the bystander. Actions at both the federal and state levels may be needed to control health risks, particularly among youth and young adult populations.

Understanding Attitudes, Beliefs, and Information Seeking Regarding Hookah Smoking in Parents of College Students: An Exploratory Qualitative Pilot Study.

BACKGROUND: Hookah smoking has become increasingly common among young adults in the United States. College students engage in hookah smoking due to the increased exposure and popularity of hookah bars surrounding college campuses. There is limited information on parental perceptions of college students' hookah smoking. METHODS: Forty-four telephone interviews were recorded and transcribed with parents of college students using a structured interview guide to explore perceptions, beliefs, behaviors, and information seeking regarding hookah smoking. The transcripts were coded and categorized using NVivo software, and emerging themes were uncovered. RESULTS: Parents were lacking in awareness and knowledge of hookah smoking and health consequences. They often equated hookah smoking with bong use from their own college experiences. Although negative effects were equated with cigarette smoking, some parents reported beneficial effects of hookah smoking. Some parents disapproved of their college students smoking hookah, whereas others felt it was important that they try new behaviors in moderation. The varying responses indicate that parents were not receiving consistent messages, if any, regarding hookah tobacco smoking. CONCLUSIONS: Informing parents of current novel risky behaviors such as hookah smoking is necessary as they are trusted sources of information for young adult children. Delivering information and educational messages to both students and their parents may be a worthy approach when developing campaigns to deter hookah smoking. There is a need to deter hookah smoking, as it remains a public health concern.

Are students with asthma at increased risk for being a victim of bullying in school or cyberspace? Findings from the 2011 Florida youth risk behavior survey.

BACKGROUND: Adolescents with asthma are at risk for psychological and behavioral problems. The aim of this study was to determine whether high school students with asthma are at increased risk for bullying in school and cyberspace, and to explore the role of depressive symptoms in moderating this association. METHODS: A secondary data analysis was completed with the 2011 Florida Youth Risk Behavior Survey. Participant included a random sample of adolescents in grades 9 through 12 who attended public high schools in Florida. Descriptive and inferential statistics were conducted using SPSS software. RESULTS: We examined data from 6212 high school adolescents and found a significant relationship between current asthma and cyberbullying in adolescents. Of the sample diagnosed with asthma, 15.6% reported bullying and 17% cyberbullying (versus 10.2% and 11% of nonasthmatics). We further examined data using depressive symptoms as a mediating and moderating variable and found significance on all accounts. CONCLUSIONS: Adolescents with asthma are at increased risk for being victims of bullying in school and cyberspace. Our findings suggest that adolescents with asthma who also report depressive symptoms are particularly at high risk for bullying than adolescents with asthma who did not report depressive symptoms. Efforts to increase education and decrease all types of bullying at the high school level for both students with and without asthma are warranted.

Hookah smoking and harm perception among asthmatic adolescents: findings from the Florida youth tobacco survey.

BACKGROUND: Hookah tobacco smoking has increased in prevalence among Florida adolescents and is often viewed as a safer alternative to cigarette smoking by young adults. Asthmatic adolescents are at increased risk of the negative health effects of hookah smoking. The purpose of this study is to examine if hookah use and harm perception vary by asthma status. METHODS: The Florida Youth Tobacco Survey was conducted in 2012 among 36,578 high school students. Secondary data analysis was conducted to compare the rates of hookah use among asthmatic youth to their nonasthmatic counterparts. Risk perception of hookah use compared to cigarette smoking was also assessed among asthmatic and nonasthmatic adolescents. RESULTS: One in 5 high school students reported lifetime asthma. These asthmatic students have a significantly higher prevalence of hookah smoking and greater perception of hookah use as being less harmful than cigarette smoking, than their nonasthmatic counterparts. Among asthmatics, 12th graders and Hispanic students had the highest prevalence of hookah smoking. CONCLUSION: Common misperceptions of hookah smoking as being less harmful than cigarette smoking are prominent among high school students in Florida and are greater among students with asthma than those students who do not have asthma. Efforts to increase education to dispel the myths surrounding hookah smoking as a safer alternative to cigarette smoking needs to exist at the high school level for both students with and without asthma.

Change in carbon monoxide exposure among waterpipe bar patrons.

INTRODUCTION: Waterpipe (also known as hookah) smoking is increasing around the world, including the United States, where waterpipe bars have sprung up rapidly around college campuses. Users are exposed to several toxicants, including carbon monoxide (CO). We evaluated change in exhaled CO and estimated carboxyhemoglobin levels among waterpipe bar patrons in Tampa, FL. METHODS: Exhaled breath samples were obtained immediately before entering and after leaving 6 waterpipe bars in Tampa, FL to measure CO boost and factors affecting CO change. Demographics, cigarette use status, and characteristics of waterpipe use during the bar visit also were assessed. RESULTS: Among the sample of 166 participants, mean CO increased from 6.5 parts per million (ppm) to 58.2 ppm (a 795% relative boost; p < .001). CO change was higher for patrons who were dual (waterpipe plus cigarette) smokers compared with waterpipe-only smokers, and significant factors of CO change were frequency of waterpipe use, number of charcoals, number of tobacco bowls, and time spent in the bar (all p values < .05). CONCLUSION: U.S. waterpipe bar patrons are exposed to considerable amounts of CO, which could put them at risk of acute illness and chronic heart and lung diseases. Environmental and policy controls are needed to curb this increasingly popular tobacco use method in the United States.

Adolescent asthma self-management: patient and parent-caregiver perspectives on using social media to improve care.

BACKGROUND: Self-management of asthma can now leverage new media technologies. To optimize implementation they must employ a consumer-oriented developmental approach. This study explored benefits of and barriers to improved asthma self-management and identified key elements for the development of a digital media tool to enhance asthma control. METHODS: Between August 2010 and January 2011, 18 teens with asthma and 18 parent-caregivers participated in semistructured in-depth interviews to identify mechanisms for improving asthma self-management and propose characteristics for developing a digital media tool to aid such efforts. RESULTS: Teens and caregivers enumerated physician-recommended strategies for asthma management as well as currently employed strategies. Both groups thought of a potential digital media solution as positive, but indicated specific design requirements for such a solution to have utility. Whereas most participants perceived mobile platforms to be viable modes to improve asthma self-management, interest in having social networking capabilities was mixed. CONCLUSIONS: A digital media product capable of tracking conditions, triggers, and related asthma activities can be a core element of improved asthma control for youth. Improved asthma control will help decrease school absenteeism.

Antecedents of university students' hookah smoking intention.

OBJECTIVES: To examine antecedents of university students' intention to smoke hookah using the Theory of Reasoned Action (TRA) as a conceptual framework. METHODS: We sampled students at a US university using 3 strategies: intercept interviews (N = 62) with hookah smokers and nonsmokers; 3 focus groups (smokers only N = 21); and online survey (N = 369). We evaluated TRA constructs regarding intention to smoke hookah and used factor analysis to identify antecedent domains concerning attitudes toward hookah smoking. RESULTS: Three domains emerged: benefits, negative health effects, meeting expectations. Attitudes toward hookah smoking were more positively correlated with intention than was subjective norm. CONCLUSIONS: Benefits and attitudes were strong determinants of future intention.

Waterpipe (hookah) tobacco smoking among youth.

Waterpipe tobacco smoking is a centuries old practice, influenced by cultural tradition in Eastern Mediterranean countries, the Middle East, and parts of Asia. It historically has been an activity enjoyed primarily by men. In the past 2 decades, however, this method of tobacco smoking has increased in popularity in other parts of the world, including the USA. Growing interest in this form of smoking can be traced, in part, to the advent of a flavored tobacco, called maassel. The combination of flavoring agents and the paraphernalia itself used in the smoking process, along with its mystic appeal, novelty, affordability, and the social atmosphere in which smoking often occurs, has made waterpipe smoking attractive to women as well as men, cigarette smokers and nonsmokers alike, and particular groups, including persons of college age and younger adolescents. Although waterpipe smoking is perceived by its new generation of users to be less addictive and hazardous to health than cigarette smoking, researchers draw diametrically opposed conclusions. Research demonstrates that numerous toxic agents, including carcinogens, heavy metals, other particulate matter, and high levels of nicotine, are efficiently delivered through waterpipes. Moreover, sidestream smoke exposes others in the vicinity of waterpipe smokers to the risk of respiratory diseases and other conditions. In addition, persons sharing waterpipe mouthpieces may share infectious agents as well. Waterpipe tobacco smoking has been declared a public health problem by the World Health Organization and other authorities. Recognition of the deleterious effects of waterpipe smoking has led to initial attempts to expand regulatory control. Because waterpipe tobacco is not directly burned in the smoking process, many existing control measures do not apply. Public health authorities should monitor waterpipe tobacco use carefully. Finally, pediatricians and other healthcare providers should discourage experimentation and continued use among their adolescent patients.