Contents:
- Medical Video: Dangers of e-cigarettes, vaping and JUULs: How to talk to kids
- What are the causes of nicotine poisoning?
- Signs and symptoms of nicotine poisoning
- What is the dose of nicotine that causes poisoning?
- How to deal with nicotine poisoning?
Medical Video: Dangers of e-cigarettes, vaping and JUULs: How to talk to kids
Nicotine is an addictive chemical, which can be found in tobacco products, such as cigarettes, cigars, and electric cigarettes or vape. Lately, there have been many cases of nicotine poisoning. Both adults and children can experience nicotine poisoning. But this case is more common in children. Fact, American Association of Poison Control Centers (AAPCC) reports that more than half of the cases of nicotine poisoning in 2014 involved children under the age of 6 years.
What are the causes of nicotine poisoning?
Nicotine poisoning is basically caused by excessive exposure to nicotine. Nicotine can cause poisoning in three ways, namely if you swallow it, breathe it, or experience skin contact with nicotine (nicotine patch) Nicotine products in liquid form and e-cigarettes tend to cause more poisoning than cigarettes and cigars. In addition, you might think that e-cigarettes are safer than cigarette smoke and then you consume more. This is because 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 in large quantities and in a purer form, this will be fatal. Nicotine exposure from e-cigarettes is not only harmful to adults, but also to children. The body of children is not able to sustain a large amount of nicotine exposure.
Adults who are unfamiliar with nicotine then try vape have a higher risk of poisoning than adults who have smoked before and switch to vape. Using more than one product containing nicotine can also increase your risk of nicotine poisoning.
Nicotine poisoning can occur if nicotine fluid is swallowed or direct contact with the skin. Steam from electric cigarettes can stick to clothing, carpets and other fabrics. This can cause poisoning. Generally this is more common in children. People who work with nicotine-based products, such as cigarette factories or tobacco are more vulnerable to this risk.
Signs and symptoms of nicotine poisoning
Nicotine will affect the heart and central nervous system, regardless of your exposure. Too much exposure or taking nicotine can cause you poisoning. If you experience some of the following symptoms, contact your doctor immediately. Symptoms of nicotine poisoning include:
- Nausea and vomiting
- Blood pressure increases
- Abnormal heart rate (arrhythmia)
- Dehydration
- Loss of appetite
- Feeling tired and nervous
- Dizziness and headache
- Hearing and vision disorders
What is the dose of nicotine that causes poisoning?
The nicotine dose that can cause death in adults is 50 to 60 milligrams. This compares to about five cigarettes or 10 milliliters of a solution containing nicotine. Children are far more vulnerable to the effects of nicotine, with the consumption of one cigarette proven to be enough to cause disease.
How to deal with nicotine poisoning?
Treatment of 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 active 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 supporting treatments, including medicines are usually used to treat seizures, blood pressure and abnormal heart rate. Other treatments may be needed depending on the damage that occurs to your body.
