Nicotine poisoning

From ArticleWorld

Nicotine poisoning occurs as a result of directly taking in the substance called nicotine in such a way that it is absorbed in the bloodstream, causing toxicity. Nicotine poisoning generally occurs in children who consume a cigarette or become poisoned by handling topical nicotine cream. The amount of nicotine in a single cigarette will make a toddler severely ill, while it takes 3-4 cigarettes of ingested nicotine to kill an adult if all of the nicotine is absorbed.

Pathophysiology

Nicotine causes symptoms related to its molecular similarity to acetylcholine, the neurochemicals necessary for communication between nerves in the body. It can actually bind to the receptors for acetylcholine and mimic its effect on nerve and other types of cells. This type of poisoning is similar to that with organophosphates, found in some types of pesticides. The neurons get over-stimulated causing a range of serious symptoms or death.

Symptoms

When an individual has suffered from an excessive ingestion of nicotine they can develop nausea, vomiting, stomach pains and cramps. Headaches and difficulty breathing are also common symptoms. Affected persons may experience excessive drooling. If severe, extreme weakness and seizures, which occur from nerve overstimulation, can be expected.

Diagnosis

The diagnosis of nicotine poisoning can be gotten from the history of exposure, symptoms and the laboratory finding of nicotine or a nicotine metabolite, called cotitine, in the blood or urine. Generally the treatment aims at supporting the individual until the toxicity level passes and by using the common anti-poisoning therapies such as using charcoal and syrup of ipecac can be used. Ideally, an antidote would block the acetylcholine receptors on nerve cells until the toxic levels of nicotine reduce.