Nicotine poisoning: symptoms and treatment

People who have no experience with nicotine learn the effects very quickly when they use it for the first time. Nicotine has a rapid effect. Within the first 10 to 20 seconds, the substance enters the blood and brain, dopamine production is stimulated and a slight dizziness becomes noticeable.

Nicotine in itself is a neurotoxin that has effects on the respiratory and nervous systems. Just as quickly, it is absorbed through the mucous membranes, making oral consumption just as affected. Chronic bronchitis, cardiovascular disorders and cancers are just some of the consequences of smoking. These side effects can be circumvented with alternative smokeless products, but more on that inthis article.

This is how nicotine poisoning occurs

Important: The dose makes the poison! For an adult man a total dose of about 500 milligrams of nicotine is extremely lethal! In comparison: A cigarette contains about two milligrams of nicotine, depending on the type. Accordingly, an amount of 250 cigarettes is lethal. Theoretically, the amount of nicotine ingested during smoking and snus is not high enough to cause nicotine poisoning. Fortunately, most reported cases of nicotine poisoning have been mild. The main cause was ingestion of tobacco and other products and not a "nicotine overdose" in the strict sense.

Symptoms of nicotine poisoning

• Abdominal pain
• Diarrhea
• Nausea and vomiting.

Extreme forms:

• Tremors

• Seizures

• Circulatory collapse and respiratory paralysis

Treatment and tips for nicotine poisoning

1. Keep calm

2. Inform emergency doctor

3. Monitor the person

Additionally, it helps to open constricted clothing and cover the patient warmly. There is a poison control number on the back of every nicotine product. This should be contacted immediately and the recommended course of action followed. Nicotine is a substance that breaks down relatively quickly in the body. On average, improvement can be seen after two to four hours. The degradation of nicotine is accelerated by sufficient fresh air and fluids to maintain electrolytes.