Toxic effect of chewing tobacco, accidental (unintentional) Save
ICD-10 code: T65.211
Chapter: Injury, poisoning and certain other consequences of external causes
Toxic effect of chewing tobacco, accidental (unintentional)
Chewing tobacco contains harmful chemicals that can lead to serious health problems. While some people may intentionally use chewing tobacco, others may accidentally ingest it, which can have toxic effects on the body. Accidental ingestion of chewing tobacco can occur in a variety of ways, including mistaking it for food or drink, or accidentally swallowing it while trying to spit it out.
Some of the toxic effects of chewing tobacco ingestion include:
- Nausea and vomiting: Chewing tobacco contains high levels of nicotine, which can cause nausea and vomiting when ingested. This can be particularly dangerous if the person ingesting the tobacco is unable to vomit or is already experiencing dehydration.
- Heart palpitations: Nicotine in chewing tobacco can also cause heart palpitations, which can be particularly dangerous for people with preexisting heart conditions.
- Respiratory problems: Ingesting chewing tobacco can lead to respiratory problems, including difficulty breathing, wheezing, and coughing. This can be especially dangerous for people with preexisting respiratory conditions, such as asthma or chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD).
- Organ damage: The chemicals in chewing tobacco can cause damage to various organs in the body, including the liver, kidneys, and stomach. This damage can be irreversible in some cases.
Accidental ingestion of chewing tobacco should be treated as a medical emergency. If you or someone you know has accidentally ingested chewing tobacco, seek medical attention immediately. The sooner treatment is received, the better the chances of preventing serious health problems.
To prevent accidental ingestion of chewing tobacco, it is important to keep it out of reach of children and pets. Chewing tobacco should be stored in a secure location and never left out in the open where it could be mistaken for food or drink.
In conclusion, accidental ingestion of chewing tobacco can have serious toxic effects on the body. If you suspect that you or someone you know has accidentally ingested chewing tobacco, seek medical attention immediately. To prevent accidental ingestion, keep chewing tobacco out of reach of children and pets and store it in a secure location.