CIGAR INHALING

1 January 1976

journal article
research article
Published by Elsevier

Vol. 113 (1) , 87-89
https://doi.org/10.1164/arrd.1976.113.1.87

Abstract

Carboxyhemoglobin [COHb] 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 cmokers. An arterial blood sample was analyzed for COHb and Hb, and oxygen saturation was calculated and measured. Mean .+-. SE COHb concentrations were 1.0 .+-. 0.1, 4.6 .+-. 0.5 and 8.4 .+-. 1.4%, respectively, for the 3 groups (P < 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%, respectively (P < 0.025). Hb concentrations in smokers were higher than in nonsmokers (P < 0.001). Cigar smokers who intentionally inhale have higher COHb concentrations and lower measured oxygen saturation values than cigarette inhalers. This may be even more detrimental to their health than cigarette smoking.

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