Nicotine, establish naturally in tobacco plants, is the chemical responsible for the addictive nature of cigarettes, cigars, and many e-cigarettes.

Until recent years, nicotine poisoning was a relatively rare occurrence and tended to exist linked to exposure to insecticides containing the chemic. Nevertheless, the popularity of vaping or due east-cigarettes has seen an increase in reported cases.

Both adults and children tin be affected by nicotine, with over 50 percent of cases of nicotine exposure reported to the American Association of Poisonous substance Control Centers (AAPCC) in 2022 occurring in children under 6 years of age.

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Cigarettes and nicotine gum both incorporate nicotine, which in large doses may crusade nicotine poisoning.

Nicotine is present in:

  • cigarettes
  • cigars
  • e-cigarettes (vaping)
  • liquid nicotine
  • nicotine gum
  • nicotine patches
  • nicotine lozenges
  • chewing tobacco
  • pipe tobacco
  • snuff
  • some insecticides
  • tobacco plants

Nicotine poisoning tends to occur in 2 stages.

Inside the commencement xv to threescore minutes post-obit exposure, symptoms are related to the stimulatory effects of nicotine and include:

  • backlog saliva in the mouth
  • feeling nauseous
  • tummy ache
  • vomiting
  • loss of appetite
  • dehydration
  • centre irritation
  • headache
  • dizziness
  • tremors
  • feet and restlessness
  • defoliation
  • sweating
  • cough
  • rapid breathing
  • increased centre charge per unit
  • elevated blood pressure level

Following this stage, the body begins to air current down. Nicotine'due south depressor furnishings appear inside a few hours. These include:

  • low claret pressure
  • slow heart rate
  • shallow breathing
  • diarrhea
  • fatigue
  • weakness
  • stake skin

In farthermost cases, symptoms include:

  • seizures
  • coma
  • animate difficulties
  • respiratory failure

Serious or fatal nicotine overdoses tin can occur just are rare.

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Eastward-cigarettes, alongside any forms of liquid nicotine, are some of the most common causes of nicotine poisoning.

Nicotine poisoning is substantially caused by overexposure to nicotine.

This is causes either through inhalation, ingestion, or assimilation through the skin or eyes.

E-cigarettes and liquid nicotine are responsible for the majority of cases of nicotine poisoning.

How commonly is nicotine poisoning reported?

According to inquiry by the Centers for Disease Command and Prevention (CDC), the number of calls to toxicant centers involving nicotine poisoning from these sources rose from 1 per month in September 2010 to 215 per month in February 2014. The number of calls regarding nicotine poisoning from traditional cigarettes did not modify.

What forms of nicotine are almost unsafe?

Children are nigh at risk of nicotine poisoning through eating cigarettes or nicotine-containing products, or drinking or touching liquid nicotine. Nicotine from eastward-cigarettes may be especially chancy, as these products are not required to be childproof, and are available in flavors that appeal to children.

Adults who are unaccustomed to smoking and who attempt vaping are at greater risk of nicotine poisoning than adults who smoke regularly. Using a nicotine patch or chewing gum containing nicotine while smoking at the same time can also lead to nicotine overdose. Chewing or snorting tobacco tends to release more than nicotine into the body than smoking.

Third-manus nicotine poisoning may also be an issue for adults, children, and pets. Vapors from e-cigarettes tin stick to fabrics or other surfaces and then transfer to those who touch them.

A form of nicotine poisoning, known as Green Tobacco Sickness (GTS), can occur in those who harvest tobacco or piece of work in tobacco processing factories.

Nicotine overdose depends on factors such as torso weight and the source of the nicotine.

Researchers have frequently indicated that the lethal dose of nicotine for adults is 50 to 60 milligrams (mg), which prompted safety warnings stating that approximately five cigarettes or 10 milliliters (ml) of a nicotine-containing solution could be fatal.

Yet, the bloodshed rate from nicotine poisoning is extremely low, and some research suggests that it takes 500-k mg of oral nicotine to kill an adult.

Children are much more susceptible to the effects of nicotine, with consumption of a single cigarette shown to be enough to cause illness.

Nicotine affects the body in a variety of ways. It is both a sedative and a stimulant that impacts the middle, hormones, and digestive system.

Aside from the risk of nicotine poisoning, the primary risk associated with nicotine use is its addictive qualities. It is at least as difficult to quit nicotine equally it is heroin. Ane study reports that consuming nicotine makes cocaine more addictive.

Many people who quit nicotine will experience withdrawal symptoms such every bit:

  • anxiety
  • cravings
  • depression
  • difficulty concentrating
  • irritability

Nicotine is most harmful when taken in quantities larger than those recommended (leading to nicotine poisoning) and when consumed in cigarettes or other products that contain a variety of chemicals that are detrimental to health including cigars.

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Nicotine poisoning will usually be treated in a hospital, and a ventilator may exist used if the patient is having trouble breathing.

Treatment for nicotine poisoning is usually carried out at a infirmary. The treatments administered volition depend on the corporeality of nicotine ingested and the symptoms experienced.

Activated charcoal may be used to demark with the nicotine in the stomach and take it out of the body.

If the person is experiencing animate difficulties, a ventilator will exist used to deliver oxygen.

Other supportive treatments, including medications, are used to manage seizures, depression blood pressure, and abnormal heart rates.

If someone is experiencing nicotine poisoning symptoms, information technology is important to seek emergency medical attention.

Follow the directions of the medical personnel and do not strength the person to vomit or give them any food or liquids.

For nicotine that was absorbed through the skin, rinse the affected area immediately with water for 15 minutes.

The near effective style to prevent nicotine poisoning is to cease using cigarettes and other nicotine-containing products.

Other preventative measures include:

  • protecting the skin, especially when using liquids containing nicotine
  • safely storing nicotine products abroad from children and pets
  • correctly disposing of nicotine products – including cigarette butts and empty nicotine cartridges

People who wish to quit smoking or utilize of other nicotine products should consult their doc for further information.

The outlook for those with nicotine poisoning depends on how much nicotine they have ingested and how quickly they seek treatment. With rapid medical treatment, most people make a full recovery without whatsoever long-term effects.

In rare cases, severe nicotine poisoning can be fatal.