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What Are The Repercussions Of Tobacco Intake By A Child?

Posted on Wed, 26 Apr 2017

Question: My 2 year old swallowed a piece of tocacco chew that someone spit on the ground. He does not show any symptoms for the last 30 minutes. I called poison control. They said to monitor him. Should i take him to the E. R.?

Answered by Dr. Pradeep Kumar Jain (24 minutes later)

Brief Answer:
Observe for any abnormal symptoms

Detailed Answer:
Hello

I can understand your concern.
Small amount of ingestion of tobacco does not causes much harm. The only thing is, if he gets some infection.
I agree with your poison control doctors and would suggest you to observe closely for symptoms like vomiting, pain abdomen, loose stool etc.
If you notice any please consult your pediatrician.
There is nothing to worry much regarding the side effect.

I hope this helps.
Please let me know if you have any more queries.
Regards

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Yogesh D

Follow up: Dr. Pradeep Kumar Jain (23 minutes later)

what do i watch for in regards to infection? when could something like that happen? What type of symptoms and time frame.

Answered by Dr. Pradeep Kumar Jain (5 minutes later)

Brief Answer:
Watch for vomiting, pain abdomen or loose stool

Detailed Answer:
Hi
As the amount of tobacco ingested is very less the chance of side effect related to tobacco itself is very remote.
The symptoms which I mentioned earlier like vomiting, pain abdomen and loose stool are of infection only.
Here I am concern about infection only. The symptoms of infection usually appear within 12 hours may be upto 24 hours.Give plenty of fluids and there is no need of any dietery restriction.

Regards

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Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Yogesh D