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What Are The Repercussions Of Accidental Chewing Of Tobacco By An Infant?
Question: My 12 month old daughter may have eaten some chewing tobacco she took out of the trash can. I saw her right away and don't think she actually ingested any. It has been about 1 hour now and she has not had any symptoms and is carrying on playing and eating her dinner. Should I take her to the ER or continue to monitor her at home?
Brief Answer:
Please monitor your child at home and watch for any symptoms
Detailed Answer:
Hi XXXX,
Thanks for writing in to us.
I have read through your query in detail.
Please find my observations below.
1. There is still an element of suspicion and you do not confirm if your child has indeed swallowed the tobacco.
2. The effects of tobacco ingestion usually start appearing after an hour following ingestion.
3. Since the child has been normal, there is no need to worry but please be alert and monitor her at home.
4. The symptoms of tobacco ingestion is from the nicotine and at mild to moderate doses it causes nausea, vomiting, dizziness, tremors, sweating and high blood pressure, in a child there can be irritability and crying, though all the symptoms may not be evident. In high doses it can cause seizures.
5. I believe your child may have ingested a small amount or none at all. However please stay on high alert for next 6 to 12 hours.
Hope your query is answered.
Please do write back if your have any doubts.
Regards,
Please monitor your child at home and watch for any symptoms
Detailed Answer:
Hi XXXX,
Thanks for writing in to us.
I have read through your query in detail.
Please find my observations below.
1. There is still an element of suspicion and you do not confirm if your child has indeed swallowed the tobacco.
2. The effects of tobacco ingestion usually start appearing after an hour following ingestion.
3. Since the child has been normal, there is no need to worry but please be alert and monitor her at home.
4. The symptoms of tobacco ingestion is from the nicotine and at mild to moderate doses it causes nausea, vomiting, dizziness, tremors, sweating and high blood pressure, in a child there can be irritability and crying, though all the symptoms may not be evident. In high doses it can cause seizures.
5. I believe your child may have ingested a small amount or none at all. However please stay on high alert for next 6 to 12 hours.
Hope your query is answered.
Please do write back if your have any doubts.
Regards,
Note: For further queries related to your child health, Talk to a Pediatrician. Click here to Book a Consultation.
Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
Answered by
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