Severe carbon monoxide poisoning from waterpipe smoking: a public health concern.

A 20-year-old woman was brought by ambulance to the emergency department of a district hospital after an episode of presyncope. She described symptoms of severe light-headedness, mild headache and nausea, but denied experiencing weakness or sensory disturbances. Seizure activity was not reported. She had used a waterpipe for 1 hour before the onset of symptoms. Although this was her first hospital presentation with these symptoms, she had frequently experienced queasiness and light-headedness after using a waterpipe, which she did on most days of the week, each session lasting about 45 to 60 minutes. She denied depression, suicidal ideation, and recent alcohol or drug use.