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What Are The Infections That Get Transmitted Through Sharing Smoke Pipes?

Posted on Fri, 31 Oct 2014

Question: I smoked a pipe of someone with my cracked lips , i have noted that it was cracked because when i spray a perfume on my face i feel a burning sensation on my lips . Can this pipe transmittre any viruses or diseases specially that i didn't know any thing about the guy who own the pipe & even about his lips .

Answered by Dr. Abubakar Siddiqh (34 minutes later)

Brief Answer:
Stop smoking.

Detailed Answer:
Hi,

I had gone through your question and understand your concerns.

Sharing a smoking pipe may cause

Bacteria - Tuberculosis.

Viruses such as herpes simplex type 1 causing ulcers over gums and lips.

Hepatitis c virus transmits through sharing of pipe and causes hepatitis and cancer.

Human papilloma virus - viral warts from lips to oesophagus leading to papilloma or cancer of voice box.

If you are a immunocompromised (diabetic, on steroids, on chemo drugs, on radiotherapy, haemorrohagic disorders). Chances of getting fungal infection (candidiasis) on pipe smoking sharing is common.

So, stop smoking. prevention is better than cure.

Hope this answers your question, if you have additional questions or follow up questions then please do not hesitate in writing to us. I will be happy to answer your questions.

Wishing you good health.

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Ashwin Bhandari

Follow up: Dr. Abubakar Siddiqh (13 minutes later)

You mean that i may have hepatitis c through pipe .

Answered by Dr. Abubakar Siddiqh (3 hours later)

Brief Answer:
Stop sharing- pipe smoking

Detailed Answer:
Hi,

Thanks for your follow up.

All theses infections, you may acquire, if the opposite person is having active disease( by sharing the pipe smoking).

Wishing you good health. take care.

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Vinay Bhardwaj

Follow up: Dr. Abubakar Siddiqh (12 minutes later)

Here is a pic of my lips but for your info i soaked the nozzle of the pipe in a cup of hot tea , i don't know if this can make a difference or not .

Answered by Dr. Abubakar Siddiqh (34 minutes later)

Brief Answer:
Ent consultation

Detailed Answer:
Hi,

Thanks for your follow up.

Hot tea can not sterilize the nozzle, any way, photo looks like some old ulcer over upper lip. Diagnosis can be made after examination of its depth and borders.

visit an ent surgeon for diagnosis and treatment.

Hope this answers your question, if you have additional questions or follow up questions then please do not hesitate in writing to us. I will be happy to answer your questions.

Wishing you good health.

Note: Consult an experienced Otolaryngologist / ENT Specialist online for further follow up on ear, nose, and throat issues - Book a Call now.

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Vinay Bhardwaj