If a snus is swallowed, depending on the nicotine content of the pouch that enters the gastrointestinal tract, it can cause mild to severe complaints. In adults, these usually include “only” temporary symptoms such as nausea, vomiting, or stomach pain. Poisoning is generally rare, since nicotine is absorbed more slowly in the stomach than through the oral mucosa. Nevertheless, one should pay attention to possible symptoms, remain calm, and call poison control if necessary.
While the Snus effect can be quite pleasant with moderate, proper consumption, accidentally swallowing snus can unfortunately have unpleasant consequences. However, swallowing a snus or nicotine pouch does not necessarily lead to poisoning. Still, caution is advised and it is important to remain calm. If any symptoms occur, there are certain first aid measures. You will find out what these are below.
Swallowed snus - what can happen?
It is often read and heard that swallowing snus can be life-threatening. However, in most cases, swallowing in adults "only" leads to temporary complaints such as nausea or stomach pain. That said, serious symptoms of poisoning cannot be completely ruled out in advance.
>> Read more on the topic here: Nicotine poisoning: symptoms and treatment
Nicotine is absorbed more slowly in the stomach than through the oral mucosa
If snus is swallowed, the nicotine it contains enters the gastrointestinal tract, where it is eventually absorbed by the body. The good news: in the acidic environment of the stomach, nicotine is absorbed only slowly – unlike through the oral mucosa. The likelihood of poisoning is therefore low, especially with small amounts of nicotine. However, the actual nicotine content is decisive – pouches with high nicotine levels (sometimes up to 50 mg/portion) significantly increase the risk of poisoning symptoms.
>> Find out here: How much nicotine do snus and nicotine pouches contain?
Since nicotine is absorbed via the gastrointestinal tract when swallowed, mild symptoms are often the result. This frequently includes:
- Nausea
- Stomach pain
- Vomiting
In severe cases, however, a drop in blood pressure, a slow heartbeat, seizures, impaired consciousness, or respiratory depression may occur. Such symptoms of poisoning must always be taken seriously, and one should react quickly or call emergency services.
Swallowed snus - what to do?
It is important to remain calm and carefully observe how the body reacts. You should also not induce vomiting, as this could actually worsen the situation. The following measures can/should always be taken if snus has been swallowed:
- Rinse mouth: Rinse your mouth with water to remove possible residues.
- Drink water – but in moderation: Drink a glass of water to calm the stomach. However, if abdominal pain and nausea already occur, do not force it.
- Fresh air: If you are indoors, open the windows or go outside.
- Avoid physical exertion: Avoid physical effort, as this could also worsen possible symptoms.
- Observe symptoms: Watch out for possible complaints such as nausea, vomiting, dizziness, stomach pain or palpitations and call emergency services in any case if they worsen.
- Poison control: In cases of severe symptoms, affected children or pets, you should immediately call poison control – likewise if symptoms do not subside.
First aid measures if snus has been swallowed
If certain symptoms have already appeared and emergency services have been called, you can support and help with the following first aid measures:
- Loosen tight clothing and ensure fresh air supply.
- Reassure the affected person.
- In case of dizziness and circulatory problems – shock position: Place the person on their back, raise their legs, and ensure warmth. If vomiting or unconsciousness threatens – immediately switch to the recovery position and make sure the airways are clear.
- In case of vomiting or impaired consciousness: Place the person in the recovery position to prevent aspiration of vomit and, in the event of unconsciousness, to avoid airway blockage.
- In case of abdominal pain: Place the person on their back and bend their legs – this can provide relief.
- If the affected person loses consciousness, it is especially important to ensure that the airways remain clear. If cardiac arrest occurs, chest compressions and mouth-to-mouth resuscitation must be started immediately.
>> You may also be interested in: How long does nicotine remain in the body?
Swallowed snus – Poison Control in Germany as a point of contact
The poison information centers and poison control hotlines provide an initial point of contact for clarification, advice, and initiation of possible further steps in cases of potential poisoning – including if snus has been swallowed.
There are country-specific institutions and emergency numbers as well as the European emergency number:
- Poison Control Berlin – Emergency No.: 030 192 40
- Poison Information Center Bonn – Emergency No.: 0228 192 40
- Poison Control Erfurt – Emergency No.: 0361 730 730
- Poison Information Center Freiburg – Emergency No.: 0761 192 40
- Poison Information Center North Göttingen: 0551 192 40 (General public) and 383 180 (Professionals)
- Poison Information Center Rhineland-Palatinate/Hesse Mainz – Emergency No.: 06131 192 40 / Infoline: 06131 232 466
- Poison Control Munich – Emergency No.: 089 192 40
- Poison Information Center Austria – Emergency No.: +43 140 643 43
- Tox Info Suisse Switzerland – Emergency No.: +41 44 251 51 51
- EU-wide European emergency number: 112
How can accidental swallowing of snus be prevented?
Among consumers, it is unfortunately quite common to eat or drink while using snus. This should be avoided, as it increases the likelihood of accidentally swallowing snus.
And even if some athletes appreciate the effects of snus in sports, such consumption behavior should also be avoided. Because here too, swallowing can occur more easily.
It is also important not to leave snus and nicotine pouches open and accessible to children. Children, due to their low body weight, are much more at risk of poisoning from swallowing snus.
To further reduce the risk of poisoning from swallowing snus, it is advisable to avoid higher nicotine strengths. Snus with high nicotine content, which in some cases can amount to up to 50 mg/portion, carries a higher risk of poisoning when swallowed.
Enjoy consciously instead of consuming mindless
Consume mindfully and enjoy consciously, instead of just consuming on the side. Like other stimulants, tobacco and nicotine are not harmless – reflected and conscious use is therefore all the more important. In any case, the risk of swallowing snus decreases if you consume consciously and not casually or without attention.
