Alcohol poisoning can occur when an excessive amount of alcohol is consumed in a short time. According to the Mayo Clinic, alcohol poisoning is serious and can be life-threatening. When large amounts of alcohol are ingested rapidly, the respiratory and heart systems are slowed and the gag reflex becomes sluggish. The decreased abilities of these vital functions can lead to coma and, in some cases, death.
Symptoms
Symptoms of alcohol poisoning include confusion, vomiting, convulsions, less than eight breaths per minute, an irregular breathing pattern, pale, cyanotic or blue skin, a low body temperature, and unconsciousness, according to the Mayo Clinic. Loyola Marymount University lists possible signs of intoxication as glassy eyes, dilated pupils, a sleepy look, a staggering, unsteady gait or inability to walk, and slurred slowed speech.
Causes
Alcohol can come in several different forms and any type of alcohol, if ingested, can lead to alcohol poisoning, says the Mayo Clinic. The most common form of alcohol poisoning is through ingesting ethanol, the ingredient used in alcoholic beverages. Drinking too many beverages containing ethanol alcohol too quickly can result in a life-threatening situation. Alcohol is absorbed by the body rapidly and drinking more than one drink an hour overloads the liver. Drinking more alcohol than the body can process means deadly amounts can be ingested without the drinker being aware of the dangerous situation. Alcoholic drinks cause a decrease in involuntary muscle responses, which can result in respiratory or cardiac arrest.
Risk Factors
According to the Mayo Clinic, the following factors increase the risk of alcohol poisoning: being between the ages of 45 and 54, having a small, thin body frame, being male, having existing health problems such as diabetes or heart disease, drinking on an empty stomach and using other drugs while drinking.
Complications
Alcohol is irritating to the stomach lining and can cause vomiting. Because alcohol can also decrease the body's ability to gag, an intoxicated person can easily choke on his own vomit, causing vomit to be inhaled into and flood the lungs. Asphyxiation or absence of breathing can occur, leading to death. Patients who survive severe alcohol poisoning may be left with permanent brain damage.
Treatment
The body must clear alcohol from itself naturally, reports the Mayo Clinic. Additional care includes monitoring vital signs, maintaining an open airway, oxygen therapy, intravenous fluid therapy and possibly kidney dialysis. Loyola Marymount University instructs if alcohol poisoning is suspected, call for professional help and do not leave the intoxicated person alone. Remain composed in order to keep the affected person calm until medical help arrives.
