Cigar inhaling

Abstract

Carboxyhemoglobin concentrations were compared in 3 groups of outpatients who had inhaled cigarettes in the past. Group 1 consisted of 16 current nonsmokers; group 2, 24 inhaling cigarette smokers; group 3, 10 inhaling cigar smokers. An arterial blood sample was analyzed for carboxyhemoglobin and hemoglobin, and oxygen saturation was calculated and measured. Mean +/- SE carboxyhemoglobin concentrations were 1.0 +/- 0.1, 4.6 +/- 0.5, and 8.4 +/- 1.4 per cent, respectively, for the 3 groups (P less than 0.005). Although calculated oxygen saturation values were not significantly different, measured oxygen saturation values were 96.7 +/- 0.7, 93.0 +/- 1.0, and 88.4 +/- 1.8 per cent, respectively (P less than 0.025). Hemoglobin concentrations in smokers were higher than in nonsmokers (P less than 0.001). This study indicated that cigar smokers who intentionally inhale have higher carboxyhemoglobin concentrations and lower measured oxygen saturation values than cigarette inhalers. This may be even more detrimental to their health than cigarette smoking.