Nicotine pouches are small and easy to hide. They give you nicotine without smoking or chewing tobacco. You put them between your lip and gum, and the nicotine gets absorbed through your mouth’s lining.
Many people like them as a way to quit smoking or avoid tobacco’s bad effects.
Ingesting a nicotine pouch can lead to a range of immediate and potential long-term health effects.
Immediate Health Effects:
Nausea and Vomiting: When a nicotine pouch is swallowed, nicotine is absorbed through the digestive system, leading to symptoms such as nausea and vomiting.
Dizziness: The rapid absorption of nicotine can cause dizziness and lightheadedness.
Increased Heart Rate: Nicotine can cause a rapid increase in heart rate, which may be accompanied by palpitations.
Sweating: Some individuals may experience excessive sweating as a result of nicotine ingestion.
Nicotine Poisoning: In severe cases, ingesting a nicotine pouch can lead to nicotine poisoning, which can be life-threatening. Symptoms of nicotine poisoning include confusion, seizures, difficulty breathing, and even loss of consciousness.
Potential Long-Term Health Effects:
Gum Disease and Tooth Loss: Prolonged use of nicotine pouches can lead to gum disease, which may result in tooth loss and other dental problems.
Gastrointestinal Issues: Chronic ingestion of nicotine can cause gastrointestinal problems such as reflux and other digestive issues.
Heart Problems: Long-term nicotine use can increase the risk of heart disease, including high blood pressure and an increased risk of heart attacks.
Addiction: Nicotine is highly addictive, and long-term use can lead to dependency, making it difficult to quit.
Cancer Risk: While nicotine itself does not cause cancer, the use of nicotine pouches may still pose a risk due to the presence of other harmful chemicals.
It is important to handle nicotine pouches with care and follow the manufacturer’s instructions to avoid accidental ingestion and potential health risks. If you suspect nicotine poisoning, seek medical attention immediately.
Nicotine pouches can be a convenient way to quit smoking or avoid tobacco’s negative effects, but they come with potential health risks if not used properly.
Ingesting a nicotine pouch can lead to immediate symptoms such as nausea, vomiting, dizziness, increased heart rate, and sweating, which can progress to life-threatening nicotine poisoning in severe cases.
Long-term use of nicotine pouches may cause gum disease, tooth loss, gastrointestinal issues, heart problems, addiction, and an increased risk of cancer due to the presence of other harmful chemicals.
It is crucial to handle nicotine pouches with care and follow the manufacturer’s instructions to avoid accidental ingestion and potential health risks.
If someone accidentally swallows a nicotine pouch, they should seek medical attention immediately. Symptoms of nicotine poisoning include confusion, seizures, difficulty breathing, and loss of consciousness.
Prompt medical attention can help prevent serious complications or even death.