New tobacco trends: waterpipe (hookah) smoking and implications for healthcare providers

To inform healthcare providers about waterpipe smoking, a new trend in tobacco use that is gaining popularity among adolescents and young adults.

American Lung Association Tobacco Policy Alert on Waterpipe Smoking, World Health Organization Tobacco Regulation Advisory Note on Waterpipe Smoking, and pertinent publications available in the literature.

Waterpipe smoking is a new trend in tobacco use that is associated with multiple health problems, including addiction. Healthcare providers should be aware of new tobacco trends that may affect patients, such as waterpipe smoking, that are potential gateways to nicotine addiction.

Tobacco comes in many forms, all of which are addicting. Healthcare providers must be knowledgeable about new forms of tobacco to address all types of tobacco use with patients. Healthcare providers also have a responsibility to educate patients about the health risks inherent in these products to help prevent the long-lasting problem of nicotine addiction.