Alcohol poisoning is a life-threatening consequence of drinking large amounts of alcohol in a short period of time, states the Mayo Clinic. Alcohol poisoning most commonly occurs in drinkers who rapidly consume more than five drinks. Alcohol overdose can adversely affect the patient's breathing and heart rate and may lead to loss of consciousness and death. By identifying the symptoms of alcohol poisoning quickly, doctor's can provide proper treatment before the alcohol kills the patient.
Nausea and Vomiting
Initial signs of alcohol poisoning include nausea swiftly followed by vomiting, states Alcohol Info. These symptoms are the body's response to the excessive alcohol flooding the system. The amount of alcohol ingested proves too much for the body to metabolize. In response, the body tries to rid itself of any excess alcohol. This manifests as episodes of vomiting.
Decline in Mental Status
Patients with alcohol poisoning may exhibit a swift decline in their mental status, according to the Mayo Clinic. Patients will become confused and become unable to explain their current behavior or the environment around them. Then patients will enter a drunken state of stupor, where they will fall asleep and become difficult to rouse. In some cases, patients may suddenly lose consciousness and pass out. This swift depression in mental state can indicate severe alcohol poisoning.
Walking Difficulties
Difficulty walking and a swaying side-to-side motion are symptoms of alcohol overdose, reports the New York Times Health Guide. Alcohol can cross the blood brain barrier and directly affect the brain tissue. This results in the parts of the brain in control of balance and walking to become damaged. Any patient who has ingested alcohol and is unable to walk properly should receive treatment for possible alcohol poisoning.
Erratic Behavior
Patients who have ingested too much alcohol often exhibit swift changes in behavior, according to Alcohol Info. These changes become even more apparent in patients suffering from alcohol poisoning. Patients will become aggressive one moment, and depressed the next. Bouts of constant laughter may be followed by angry outbursts. These mood swings can result because of the adverse effect alcohol has on the patient's brain.
Shallow Breathing
The effects alcohol has on the patient's respiratory system prove the most serious. Alcohol overdose can result in very shallow breathing, states the Mayo Clinic. The patient may breath as little as eight times per minute. In untreated cases of alcohol poisoning, patients will die from respiratory failure.
