Does anyone in your house smoke cigarettes? Or do you use the newfangled E-cigarettes (vapes)? You've probably seen those little bottles of liquid that come in different flavors. Since these things are so common now, I thought I'd talk about one of the most dangerous aspects of them. That's nicotine poisoning. This is more serious than you might think, especially if you have young children at home.
Simply put, what is nicotine poisoning?
Nicotine poisoning is a toxic condition that occurs when our bodies are exposed to an excessive amount of nicotine at once. In the past, such cases were reported very rarely. In those days, the main causes of nicotine poisoning were due to nicotine being used as an aphrodisiac, or someone accidentally ingesting a tobacco plant or tobacco product.
But now the situation is completely different. This risk has increased significantly due to the new nicotine products that have come onto the market, especially electronic cigarettes (e-cigarettes) and the liquid nicotine used for them . The nicotine concentration in this liquid nicotine is much higher than that in a regular cigarette. That is why it is dangerous.
What kinds of things contain nicotine?
Nicotine is a toxic chemical found naturally in the tobacco plant. It is the main factor that makes us addicted to tobacco products. These are the places we usually find it:
- Cigarettes
- Cigars
- Electronic cigarettes (E-cigarettes / vapes)
- Chewing tobacco - like tobacco eaten with betel leaves
- Snuff
- Pipe tobacco
- Nicotine replacements to help you quit smoking - such as nicotine gum, patches, and lozenges.
Who is most at risk?
Nicotine poisoning can happen to anyone of any age, but young children are at the greatest risk due to their low body weight and small size.
Think about it this way. What would happen if you gave a pill that is meant for an adult to a small baby? It's like that. Even a dose of nicotine that an adult's body can tolerate can be fatal to a small child's body. So if you have small children at home, you should think twice about this.
How does nicotine enter the body?
Nicotine can enter our bodies in three main ways.
- Absorption through the skin: If liquid nicotine falls on or comes into contact with the skin, it can be rapidly absorbed into the body through the skin.
- Inhalation: Inhaling cigarette or e-cigarette smoke takes nicotine directly into the lungs.
- Swallowed or through the mouth: Tobacco is absorbed into the body through the mucous membranes of the mouth when chewing tobacco, and through the intestines if something like e-cigarette liquid is accidentally swallowed.
What are the symptoms of nicotine poisoning? How to recognize it?
Symptoms of nicotine poisoning can occur in two stages: an early stage and a late stage. It is important to be aware of these symptoms, as they can help you take action quickly.
| When symptoms appear | Symptoms that indicate |
|---|---|
| Early stage (within 15 minutes - one hour) |
|
| Later (within 30 minutes - 4 hours) |
Early-stage symptoms usually appear between 15 minutes and 1 hour. Later-stage severe symptoms can occur between 30 minutes and 4 hours.
In mild poisoning, symptoms usually last for one to two hours and subside. However, in severe poisoning, symptoms can last for 18-24 hours. In the most severe cases, death can occur within an hour.
What is the specific danger of e-cigarettes?
E-cigarettes are electronic devices designed to look like regular cigarettes. They contain a battery, a heater, and a chamber containing liquid nicotine. When heated, this nicotine turns into a vapor that the user inhales.
The most dangerous thing about these products is the liquid nicotine. Since they come in small bottles and come in different scents and flavors like strawberry, chocolate, and mint, young children are more likely to be attracted to them.
According to the American Academy of Pediatrics, just one teaspoon of liquid nicotine is enough to kill a 12-kg child. Even if the liquid gets on the skin, it can be toxic within minutes. So if you or someone in your household uses these products, please keep them locked up and out of reach of children and pets.
What should you do immediately if someone is poisoned?
This is very important. If your child accidentally drinks, swallows, or applies liquid nicotine to their skin, do not panic and follow these steps.
1. Calm down: If you are nervous, you will not be able to make the right decisions.
2. Clean the mouth: Remove any remaining objects from the child's mouth. If there is skin contact, rinse the area thoroughly with running water.
3. Do not induce vomiting: Do not force your finger down your throat to induce vomiting under any circumstances. This can make the situation worse.
4. Go to the hospital immediately: Take the person to the nearest hospital's Emergency Department (ETU) as soon as possible.
5. Call the Poison Center: While traveling or visiting the hospital, you can call the National Poison Information Center at the Colombo National Hospital for advice. It will also be of great help to doctors.
6. Take the product with you: If you can, take the nicotine bottle that your child swallowed or touched to the hospital. The information on it will be very helpful to the doctor in treating the child.
What treatment is available for this in a hospital?
In a hospital, doctors assess the patient's condition and begin the necessary treatment. These are some of the treatments that are usually given.
- Activated Charcoal: A special drink that reduces the absorption of toxins that have entered the stomach.
- To control seizures: If seizures occur, medications such as ``Benzodiazepines'' are given to control them.
- Intravenous fluids (IV Fluids): If blood pressure drops, things like saline are given.
- For heart rate: If the heart rate slows down too much, medications such as `(Atropine)` are given to restore it to normal.
- For breathing difficulties: If breathing stops, you will be connected to a ``Ventilator`` machine to provide artificial respiration.
The most important thing is how quickly you get to the hospital. If you can save a life within the first 4 hours after poisoning, you are more likely to make a full recovery.
How can this danger be avoided?
Prevention is the best course of action. By following these simple steps, you can protect yourself and your family.
- Keep away from children: Keep all tobacco products, especially liquid nicotine bottles, out of the sight and reach of children. A well-locked cupboard is best.
- Keep in original packaging: Always keep these in the original bottle you purchased them in. Do not transfer them to other bottles.
- Dispose of safely: When putting used bottles, cartridges, etc. in the trash, seal them well and wrap them in a bag so that children cannot get them again.
- Best Solution: Quit: The best way to completely avoid this danger is to stop using nicotine-containing products completely. If you need help with that, talk to your family doctor. He or she can help you.
Take-Home Message
- Nicotine poisoning, especially from the liquid nicotine used in e-cigarettes, has now become a common and serious danger.
- This is especially dangerous for young children, as even a small amount of nicotine can be fatal to their small bodies.
- If you experience symptoms such as vomiting, excessive sweating, dizziness, or difficulty breathing, it could be nicotine poisoning.
- In such a case, do not panic, and immediately take the patient to the nearest hospital's Emergency Treatment Unit (ETU).
- If you use such products, always keep them in a safe place out of the reach of children. Your carelessness could endanger a child's life.
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