Majority of cases involving nicotine poisoning are not caused by smoking, but due to skin exposure or ingestion. If an individual is exposed to or utilizing nicotine, it is important to be well aware of the symptoms of nicotine poisoning in order to put a stop to the exposure right away and seek medical care. Many cases of nicotine poisoning usually involve children who accidentally eat nicotine gum or cigarette butts out of curiosity or parents who use nicotine gum or smoke. With this in mind, it is important to be familiar with the symptoms of nicotine poisoning to prevent the symptoms from worsening.
Expected time frame and how it progresses
Always bear in mind that the symptoms of nicotine poisoning can manifest shortly after ingestion or exposure to the substance. If the exposure is stopped as soon as the symptoms manifest, they will typically resolve on their own without causing any lasting or permanent effects on the body. On the other hand, if the symptoms of nicotine poisoning can be considered as severe, it would require emergency care at the hospital right away.
The initial symptoms of nicotine poisoning include sweating, nausea, drooling, stomach cramps and headache. If the exposure to the substance continues, the symptoms will progress in terms of severity which will include fatigue, vomiting, difficulty breathing and pallor of the skin.
Take note that acute nicotine poisoning is considered serious and the symptoms include fainting, heart palpitations, convulsions, seizures, confusion and coma. If not treated right away with medical measures, it can lead to death.
Diagnosing nicotine poisoning
The symptoms of nicotine poisoning are quite similar to the symptoms of other illnesses and even strikingly similar to the symptoms of organophosphate poisoning. In case the symptoms of nicotine poisoning are present, the doctor will request a urine and blood test to confirm the presence of nicotine and rule out other possible illnesses.
Treatment for nicotine poisoning
Once nicotine poisoning is suspected, you have to call poison control center right away so that you will be provided with instructions on what to do. Do not induce the individual to vomit unless instructed by the emergency personnel. In case the symptoms of nicotine poisoning are triggered by skin exposure, you have the wash the area using water and soap for 15 minutes thoroughly. The medical treatment if nicotine was accidentally ingested involves gastric lavage and the use of activated charcoal. As long as medical treatment is provided in a timely manner, even the serious cases of nicotine poisoning can be resolved without causing any permanent damage to the body.
Who are at risk for tobacco exposure?
Aside from those who smoke or use nicotine gum, individuals who work in the tobacco fields are overexposed to nicotine. Those who work including children in other countries frequently suffer from the symptoms of nicotine poisoning.