Nicotine poisoning is the result of excessive consumption of nicotine. Generally, it usually happens in young children who accidentally chew nicotine gum or patches. Furthermore, nicotine is a bitter tasting compound that is found in the leaves of tobacco plants.
Nicotine is a very addictive central nervous system stimulant. Nicotine affects the body the same way as caffeine does. In addition, when used in small doses, it is harmless as a cup of coffee.
Nicotine poisoning happens with overexposure to nicotine either by consuming it orally, smoking or direct contact with the skin. It can happen among adults who smoking electronic cigarette that contains liquid nicotine and accidentally consuming pesticides that has nicotine. One stick of cigarette with nicotine can make a child sick.
Taking nicotine gum, nicotine patches and inhaling electronic cigarette at the same time can result to nicotine poisoning. A high concentration of nicotine can occur after direct contact with the skin. The nicotine is absorbed to the skin and spreads to the bloodstream until it reaches the brain.
Symptoms of nicotine poisoning
- At first, neurological symptoms include convulsion, depression, coma, fainting, confusion and headaches.
- High blood pressure which suddenly drops and pounding, rapid heartbeat followed by slow heart rate.
- Fast breathing, difficulty breathing and stopping of breathing
High blood pressure which suddenly drops and pounding, rapid heartbeat followed by slow heart rate. - Increased salivation or drooling
- Vomiting
- Muscular twitching
- Weakness
- Palpitations
- In addition, anxiety and panic attacks
- Loss of appetite
- Cold sweats
- Difficulty in hearing
- Lastly, lack of coordination
Treatment
- At first, wash affected areas of the skin using soap and water for at least 15 minutes.
- For mild nicotine poisoning, put some sugar under the tongue and let it melt naturally to lessen the symptoms of nicotine poisoning. Eat crackers and drink plenty of water to stay hydrated as well as dilutes the concentration of nicotine in the body. In addition, another alternative is to eat a tablespoon of honey.
- Induce vomiting or let the person consume activated charcoal to remove the poison from the body.
- In case the person has difficulty breathing, perform mouth-to-mouth resuscitation or CPR to prevent worsening of the condition.
- If there is severe drooling or salivation, perform oral suction.
- If the person has seizures or coma, oxygen and artificial ventilation to is usually necessary.
- Perform gastric lavage if recently ingested nicotine and has not vomited. Generally, gastric lavage is called stomach pumping which is a process of cleaning the inside of the stomach. The procedure is performed within 60 minutes of ingestion.
Disclaimer / More Information
The material posted on this page on nicotine poisoning is for learning purposes only. Learn to recognize and manage poisoning due to nicotine by taking a first aid and CPR class with one of our training providers.
FACT CHECK
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Nicotine_poisoning
https://www.healthline.com/health/nicotine-poisoning
https://www.webmd.com/smoking-cessation/nicotine-poisoning-can-you-overdose#1