What to do if you overdose on nicotine? Providing first aid at the first signs of cigarette smoke poisoning

Meet Alena. And she hasn't smoked for over a year! Alena quit smoking four times, but without success. Then she bought Monastery tea and never returned to the bad habit.

The greatest harm caused to the body by smoking is usually associated with the long-term and constant accumulation of toxins, carcinogens and other substances in it. However, a blow to health can be dealt instantly, with the very first attempts to smoke a few cigarettes. Children who, due to the negligence of smoking parents, get to cigarettes and eat them are also at risk.

A sharp deterioration in condition, vomiting, fainting, loss of consciousness for a long time is nicotine poisoning. Since the problem can lead to the most dire consequences, it is necessary to understand exactly what is happening to the body and how to provide first aid. This will be discussed in this article.

Features of nicotine poisoning

Nicotine

Nicotine has a strong psychotropic effect. The plant alkaloid is produced by nightshades, mainly tobacco. Maximum accumulation occurs in the above-ground part of the plant. The substance dissolves in liquid media and has a pronounced bitter taste.

This is a neurotropic poison. One cigarette contains such an amount of nicotine that it can actually kill. This does not happen because more of the substance is destroyed during smoking. The amount of harmful product inhaled depends on various factors: the type and quality of tobacco, the characteristics of the filter, and the method of smoking cigarettes.

Eight seconds after the start of smoking, nicotine spreads throughout all organs, penetrates the brain and provokes the launch of biochemical reactions to stimulate the pleasure center. The concentration of dopamine gradually begins to decrease, and after half an hour the substance ceases to be released. Nicotine acts on the ganglion ganglia. Small doses stimulate their activity, while large doses block them. In this case, there are symptoms of intoxication of the body.

The substance penetrates into the blood in different ways, mainly during breathing, through damaged skin and mucous membranes. During pregnancy, nicotine enters the fetus through the placenta. Five milliliters of the substance per liter is considered a toxic dose; with a concentration in the blood of ten to twenty milliliters per liter, there is a high probability of death.

Why do women smoke?

Women are very suspicious creatures and often fall under the influence of television or those around them. Based on what they saw in a movie, TV series or video, how girls combine smoking a cigarette with a mug of coffee or a glass of wine, there is a desire to try it.

Most often, cigarettes are used in combination with alcohol, in the company of smoking girlfriends. Then women gradually get used to this activity.

Sometimes they continue to smoke during pregnancy, saying that they need to quit gradually. And after a while they still can’t quit.

During the period of famine and during the Second World War, many women began to smoke. Since there was a shortage of food, and after they took nicotine, the desire to eat decreased.

But times have changed, now it is very stupid to do this. Because this only leads to harm to yourself and others.

The problem of nicotine poisoning

Intoxication of the body occurs when high doses of a substance enter the blood.

Poisoning is characterized by varying degrees of severity and causes serious health problems. Nicotinic acid, within reasonable limits, is necessary for the human body for the full and coordinated functioning of the most important systems. A small amount of the substance is found in some types of vegetables, fish, dairy and meat products.

When smoking, a significant amount of the substance enters the body, and this causes a nicotine attack. The very first puff ensures that nicotine enters the brain and disrupts the functioning of the central nervous system. Nicotine has a negative effect on a variety of organs of the human body, so poisoning and its consequences can be the most unpredictable.

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Consequences

In case of acute nicotine poisoning, if the main consequences were stopped in time, the body’s recovery can be 100%. However, in chronic cases, due to the long-term accumulation of poisons and other negatively affecting elements in the body, damage to internal organs may be more serious.

The first step to remission is to quit smoking ! Nothing can eliminate health problems if nicotine continues to enter the body.

Next, as prescribed by the doctor, treatment of the affected organs is carried out . Often this is an integrated approach. The inpatient or outpatient method depends on the length of smoking, and as a result, the level of damage to the body.

Mechanism and symptoms of nicotine intoxication

Poisoning occurs for various reasons, mainly:

1. Smoking a large number of cigarettes over a short period of time.
2. Systematic smoking before meals, especially after a night's sleep.
3. Smoking by children.
4. Working with chemicals containing substances without protective equipment.
5. Addiction to chewing gum and nicotine patches.
6. Suicide attempts using tobacco infusion.

Smoking

Experienced smokers, as well as their family members, are susceptible to chronic intoxication if they are in frequent contact with smoke. Also at risk are employees of factories that produce tobacco products. The acute stage of nicotine poisoning has two phases. The essence of poisoning is a disorder of the innervation of nerve impulses, difficulty transmitting messages from the center. What are the symptoms of nicotine intoxication?

The first phase of intoxication is characterized by nervous excitement and increased work of the heart. This manifests itself in increased blood pressure and increased heart rate. The second phase is characterized by depression of the nervous system, a decrease in pressure to the point of collapse.

In addition, there are other symptoms of the pathological condition:

• hypersalivation;
• dry mouth, lump in throat;
• nausea;
• pain in the epigastric region;
• redness of the skin;
• tachycardia;
• migraine-like headache;
• panic attacks;
• convulsions.

Migraine headache

Mild poisoning does not require hospitalization of the victim. The pathological condition is relieved at home. The main symptoms of the mild stage are headache and nausea.

The severe stage of nicotine poisoning is characterized by more serious pathological manifestations:

• disorientation in space;
• the appearance of hallucinations;
• unconscious state;
• coma.

Paralysis of the respiratory center often develops, which causes the death of the patient.

Chronic intoxication from smoking is characterized by similar symptoms, but with less pronounced intensity. The pathological condition lasts for weeks or even months. In this case, the following features of the pathology are noted:

• exacerbation of chronic diseases;
• reproductive problems;
• frequent and prolonged ARVI;
• degenerative tissue changes.

Experienced smokers become hostage to a host of diseases. They develop atherosclerosis, problems with the lungs, and brain activity deteriorates.

How many cigarettes can cause an overdose in teenagers and adults?

In many ways, the amount of cigarette poisoning depends on the characteristics of the body, the type of tobacco and the method of its use.

We will give average values, but you need to understand that indicators may vary depending on individual characteristics.

The data is derived from the calculation: 1 cigarette = 1 mg of nicotine .

Indicative data are given for the manifestation of acute nicotine intoxication, however, for some types of organism, they can cause more dire consequences.

Other ways of tobacco smoke poisoning

Of course, in the usual logic, nicotine and cigarettes are directly related. Unfortunately, nicotine poisoning can occur in other conditions. This is especially important for children, so parents need to know exactly the potential sources of danger :

1. Electronic cigarettes and liquids for them . In most cases they contain nicotine. However, not all dosage restrictions apply. The possibility of getting an “overdose” of nicotine is high. Liquids should be stored out of the reach of children as much as possible - poisoning from them can be immediate.
2. Smoking cessation products . Open storage of such drugs is the most common mistake parents make. They contain nicotine for medical purposes, but they are still nicotine! Using a spray is not a problem for a child, but chewing gum or lollipops will only increase the desire to try them.
3. Agricultural products . Not everyone lives in a rural area, and not everyone uses nicotine-containing chemicals in their garden. Therefore, such poisonings do not happen often, but they are the most dangerous, because the concentration of both nicotine and other toxins is high.

There are other dangers for children and adults. In principle, everything that contains nicotine in one way or another poses a potential threat to the body.

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Therapy of a pathological condition

Acute poisoning most often does not require medical supervision in a hospital.

The patient is advised to drink more fluid, walk a lot, and take enterosorbent. If you follow these rules, you can quickly remove nicotine from the body. A positive result is achieved a couple of hours after the start of therapeutic measures. Within a day, it is possible to remove almost the entire dose of poison.

Severe poisoning requires hospital treatment. The doctor prescribes the following therapeutic measures:

• forced diuresis;
• antidote therapy;
• stool stimulation;
• taking enterosorbents.

If the need arises, resuscitation is carried out. Artificial support of the body's vital functions is required for one or two days, after which the body begins to cope on its own.

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Effective treatment methods

Treatment is carried out only by a doctor who specializes in this. This happens in the hospital.

The victim's condition should be monitored by specially trained personnel. First of all, his stomach is washed until he is completely sure that no harmful substances remain there. Artificial ventilation is also used to eliminate paralysis of the respiratory tract.

Medicines are used that stimulate the functioning of the intestines, liver and heart. A number of measures are taken to eliminate the excited state - calm.

The following drugs are used in the treatment of nicotine overdose:

• Atropine (to avoid bronchial secretion);
• Phentolamine;
• Adrenaline (in case of cardiac arrest the victim is given an injection);
• A suspension of activated carbon, a solution of potassium permanganate or tannin (for gastric lavage);
• Saline laxative;
• Morphine injections (for diarrhea);
• Barbamil and hexenal (injection for muscle cramps);
• Valerian (for calming);
• Diazepam (to stop agitation);

How to deal with chronic nicotine intoxication

In case of mild poisoning, there is no need for special nicotine removal. The body does this on its own after the toxin enters the body. Therapy consists of giving up cigarettes and following these rules:

• overcoming physical addiction;
• fight against psychological addiction.

Nausea

To make it easier to quit a bad habit, you can use replacement therapy. Drugs in this group stop cravings for nicotine and suppress the desire to smoke. A person stops enjoying a smoked cigarette; instead, unpleasant sensations appear: strong heartbeat, nausea, gagging when inhaling, a bad taste in the mouth.

Overcoming psychological addiction is a more difficult task. Here you may need the help of a psychotherapist who uses hypnosis and psychotherapeutic sessions. The patient’s personal attitude and the attitude of relatives to the situation are of great importance. They will have to experience mood swings, outbursts of aggression and other unpleasant signs of complex changes in the patient’s physical and emotional sphere.

Are methods of fighting addiction dangerous?

When a smoker decides to quit smoking, he begins to use various methods. One of these is the use of a nicotine patch. But it must be used with caution, as it can also cause overdose symptoms. Typically, such poisonings are mild to moderate in nature, and help is no different from other options.

Thus, nicotine overdose is common not only in smokers, but also in those trying to quit smoking. It is necessary to remember to urgently call an ambulance when an overdose of nicotine occurs; nicotine overdoses can be of different types, but first aid is always the same.

Many heavy smokers mistakenly believe that by switching from smoking a regular cigarette to vaping an electronic gadget, a nicotine overdose cannot occur.

Very often, in order to achieve the familiar sensations from an electronic cigarette, you have to use it often. In most cases, this leads to poisoning of the entire body.

To prevent the consequences from being disastrous, it is important to promptly recognize the symptoms of intoxication and provide first aid to yourself or a loved one.

Therapeutic actions for nicotine poisoning

In case of nicotine poisoning, first aid should be provided to the victim as quickly as possible. The patient’s health depends on the correct procedures.

Drinking regime

It is important to have an idea of ​​what measures need to be taken:

1. It is necessary to ensure the supply of fresh air. To do this, unbutton the collar on your clothes and open the windows.
2. The victim is placed in a comfortable position. Provided that he is unconscious, it is necessary to monitor so that the patient does not choke.
3. The stomach is washed if the patient is conscious. To cleanse the digestive tract, drink one and a half liters of clean still water and give a cleansing enema.
4. Any available enterosorbent helps improve well-being.
5. To relieve the severity of intoxication, it is recommended to adhere to the rules of the drinking regime. This will also prevent dehydration.
6. If nervous overexcitation occurs, it is recommended to take a mild sedative.
7. Resuscitation actions are carried out when symptoms of clinical death appear.
8. Nicotinic acid is removed from the skin using acidic water and a large amount of soap.

When providing first emergency aid, it is important not to miss the moment when it is necessary to involve qualified specialists. It is possible to understand that the situation is getting worse by the appearance of new symptoms or a deterioration in the general condition:

1. The victim does not get better even with the first aid provided.
2. The patient is in a stupor, does not make contact and does not react to the situation.
3. Disturbances in the functioning of the central nervous system appeared.
4. The victim lost consciousness and does not come to his senses.

The victim lost consciousness

In this case, specialists provide assistance in the hospital. Symptomatic and cleansing therapy helps stabilize the condition. The doctor monitors the patient’s well-being, special attention is paid to preventing respiratory arrest and paralysis of the heart muscle, maintaining the liver, which is the body’s filter and takes on a large load.

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Particular attention is required in situations where the victim is a small child, an elderly person, or a woman expecting a child.

First aid to the victim

The victim must be laid on his side and an ambulance must be called. First aid for nicotine poisoning consists of the following measures:

• unfasten the collar and belt , ensure free breathing and air access;
• rinse the stomach , if tobacco has been swallowed, with drinking water at room temperature;

• give a sorbent to drink - activated carbon, polysorb, enterosgel, smecta;
• give a drink every 15 minutes , a quarter glass; drinking water, slightly acidified with lemon, or warm, weak tea with lemon will do.

If the condition is severe, there is no consciousness, no rinsing or other procedures can be done. You need to constantly monitor your pulse, blood pressure, breathing, and be prepared to provide resuscitation measures if the need arises.

Severe cases of poisoning are treated in a hospital setting , where saline solutions and detoxifying drugs are infused, the stomach and intestines are cleansed, and the function of the circulatory, respiratory, and nervous system is restored.

In mild cases, after assistance is provided, the victim is left for home treatment.

Recommendations for quickly relieving nicotine intoxication include:

• ventilation of living quarters, long stays in the fresh air, you can periodically inhale oxygen through a moistened cloth from a pharmaceutical can or an oxygen pillow;
• breathing exercises: deep breaths through the nose, maximum exhalations through the mouth;
• drink plenty of water - still mineral water, green tea, sour fruit juices;

• taking ascorbic acid;
• herbal decoctions: marshmallow, oregano, lemon balm;
• a diet that includes fermented milk products, oatmeal, fresh parsley, and celery root.

Medicines should only be taken that are recommended by a doctor , based on your health condition. These may be means to reduce blood pressure, eliminate tachycardia, and relieve spasms. When the general condition is normalized, you need to increase physical activity - do exercises, walking, jogging, you can visit the steam room, swimming pool.

What causes nicotine poisoning?

Penetrating into the bloodstream, nicotine quickly enters the brain and suppresses the functioning of the central nervous system. Symptoms of nicotine poisoning appear differently in different people.

People who smoke develop severe health problems:

• neuritis, polyneuritis;
• problems in the sexual sphere;
• imbalance in the functioning of the cardiovascular system;
• pancreatitis;
• renal dysfunction;
• drop in visual acuity;
• Chronical bronchitis;
• stupor;
• suppression of respiratory and cardiac activity;
• death.

Decrease in visual acuity

Intoxication with nicotine of any type often leads to complications in the form of:

• development of renal failure;
• the appearance of allergic reactions;
• violation of the integrity of tooth enamel;
• lesions of the pancreas;
• CNS lesions;
• migraine;
• shortness of breath;
• vision problems.

Rational use of vitamin PP

An overdose of niacin develops when the rules for handling medications are not followed . Cases of acute poisoning with nicotinic acid, which develops with external use of the drug for parenteral administration, have become more frequent. Young women who suffer from excessive hair loss during the postpartum period rub the undiluted solution into the scalp at night. As a rule, in the morning an unexpected effect awaits them:

• excruciating headache;
• nausea, vomiting;
• weakness, unsteadiness of gait due to a sharp drop in pressure;
• burned itchy scalp.

Hair loss in nursing mothers is due to hormonal imbalances. This condition is temporary - it cannot be eliminated with ordinary vitamins, especially with such unusual use.

Nicotinic acid should not be taken on an empty stomach. In the absence of food, there is a risk of drug overdose, since the vitamin is characterized by a high degree of absorption. In addition to the symptoms of intoxication, there is a risk of irritation and ulceration of the gastrointestinal mucosa.

The drug is used in drug therapy for the following diseases:

1. Osteochondrosis of the cervical and thoracic spine, including as a solution for electrophoresis.
2. Strokes of ischemic etiology.
3. Atherosclerosis.
4. Pellagra (pathology due to nicotinic acid deficiency).
5. Poor circulation in the legs, trophic ulcers.
6. Liver diseases.
7. Glucose intolerance.

For preventive purposes, nicotinic acid is used to correct twilight vision and in the treatment of hemorrhoids . The pharmacological drug improves memory, helps increase the production of pepsin, enzymes and gastric juice in hypoacid gastritis.

Chronic overdose of nicotinic acid can be prevented with long-term treatment. To do this, the doctor prescribes periodic biochemical blood and urine tests. If the level of vitamin PP and its breakdown products in biological samples is exceeded, the number of tablets taken is reduced or the frequency of their use is reduced.

Forecast of nicotine poisoning

With timely assistance, the prognosis is favorable, the condition can be stabilized and normalized. In especially severe cases, in the absence of proper therapy, death is possible. Nicotine poisoning poses a great danger to young children and pregnant women.

There are known cases of serious poisoning in children when parents left cigarettes in an accessible place. Imitating an adult, a child can light a cigarette. Small children sometimes suck and even eat cigarettes or drink e-cigarette liquid. This is very dangerous for a fragile child’s body. Poisoning can lead to irreversible health damage.

Nicotine has an extremely negative effect on a pregnant woman’s body, worsening not only the woman’s health, but also negatively affecting the unborn child.

Why is it important to care for your vape?

Poisoning from an e-cigarette may be due to the burning and smoky taste. This happens when the device runs out of liquid. The wick dries out and begins to burn out. The steamer inhales the remaining steam with acrid smoke. Although wick cotton does not contain harmful components, it is better not to bring it to a critical situation.

Periodic washing and cleaning will help prevent unwanted odors. To do this, the tank and atomizer are disassembled. The coil remains connected to the battery, after which the vape is burned several times under cold water. This will help remove carbon deposits and foreign matter from the coil.

Fans of DIY box mods should be careful. An incorrectly selected resistance and battery voltage will quickly burn the wick with the spiral and, in addition, ruin the battery. Special cotton wool is available for the wick

Pharmacy options and cotton pads are not suitable for winding. This is easy to verify by tasting after the first puff.

Special cotton wool is produced for the wick. Pharmacy options and cotton pads are not suitable for winding. This is easy to verify by tasting after the first puff.

In order not to catch the burning taste, the wick and spiral are dug before starting the electronics. The device is left for a couple of minutes: the liquid will be absorbed into the cotton wool. After this, you can soar calmly.

Clinical picture of overdose

In the event of an overdose, the property of the drug to sharply reduce blood pressure is especially dangerous . In hypotensive patients, this condition causes dizziness, fainting, deep coma, which can result in the death of a person. Dangerous symptoms of poisoning also include:

• a significant rise in temperature, flushes of blood to the face and upper body;
• vomiting, nausea, decreased intestinal motility;
• allergic reactions due to decreased functional activity of the liver;
• profuse sweating, migraines, emotional instability;
• decreased tactile, muscle, tendon reflexes;
• difficulty swallowing food, dry mucous membranes;
• slurred speech.

An overdose of vitamin PP can occur when it is used as the main ingredient in masks for rejuvenation. The ability of nicotinic acid to provoke a rush of blood to the face is used by women to renew the upper layer of the epidermis. Niacin penetrates the bloodstream, accumulates in tissues and causes intoxication.

Nicotinic acid and its derivatives in significant concentrations can have a depressive effect on the central nervous system . First, a person’s motor activity increases, strength increases, and then a state similar to a narcotic develops (lethargy, drowsiness, apathy).