Table of contents:
- What are the causes of nicotine poisoning?
- Signs and symptoms of nicotine poisoning
- What is the dose of nicotine that causes poisoning?
- How to treat nicotine poisoning?
Nicotine is an addictive chemical, which can be found in tobacco products, such as cigarettes, cigars, and e-cigarettes or vapes. Recently, nicotine poisoning cases have started to happen again. Both adults and children can experience nicotine poisoning. However, this case is more common in children. In fact, the Journal of The American Academy of Pediatrics reports that more than half of cases of nicotine poisoning in 2014 involved children under 6 years of age.
What are the causes of nicotine poisoning?
Nicotine poisoning is basically caused by overexposure to nicotine. Nicotine can cause poisoning in three ways, namely if you ingest it, inhale it, or have skin contact with nicotine (nicotine patch). Nicotine products in liquid form and e-cigarettes are more likely to cause poisoning than cigarettes and cigars. In addition, you may think that e-cigarettes are safer than secondhand smoke and then you consume more. This is because the nicotine in liquid products or e-cigarettes is purer.
According to Archives of Toxiocology , the nicotine content of 30 to 60 milligrams can cause death in adults. If you consume large amounts and in a purer form, it will be fatal. Nicotine exposure from e-cigarettes is not only dangerous for adults, but also for children. Children's bodies are unable to sustain large amounts of nicotine exposure.
Adults who were unfamiliar with nicotine and then tried vaping had a higher risk of poisoning than adults who had smoked before and switched to e-cigarettes. Using more than one nicotine-containing product can also increase your risk of nicotine poisoning.
Nicotine poisoning can occur when nicotine is ingested or comes in direct contact with the skin. Vapors from e-cigarettes can stick to clothes, carpets, and other fabrics. This can lead to poisoning. Generally this is more common in children. People who work with nicotine-based products, such as cigarette or tobacco factories are more susceptible to this risk.
Signs and symptoms of nicotine poisoning
Nicotine will affect your heart and central nervous system, regardless of the amount of exposure you are. Too much exposure to or consuming nicotine can cause you to become poisoned. If you experience any of the following symptoms, contact your doctor immediately. Nicotine poisoning symptoms include:
- Nausea and vomiting
- Blood pressure increases
- Abnormal heart rate (arrhythmia)
- Dehydration
- Loss of appetite
- Feeling tired and restless
- Dizziness and headaches
- Hearing and vision problems
What is the dose of nicotine that causes poisoning?
The dose of nicotine that can cause death in adults is 50 to 60 milligrams. This equates to about five cigarettes or 10 milliliters of a nicotine-containing solution. Children are much more susceptible to the effects of nicotine, with the consumption of one cigarette proven to be sufficient to cause disease.
How to treat nicotine poisoning?
Treatment for nicotine poisoning is usually done in a hospital. The treatment given will depend on the amount of nicotine exposed and the symptoms experienced. The doctor may give activated charcoal for treatment. Activated charcoal can be used to bind nicotine in the stomach and remove it from the body.
If you have trouble breathing, a ventilator may be needed to deliver oxygen to your body. other supportive treatments, including medications usually used to treat seizures, blood pressure and abnormal heart rates. Other treatments may be needed depending on the damage done to your body.
