The consumption of a large amount of alcoholic beverages in a short period of time could result in this very serious, often fatal, condition: alcohol poisoning. While many binge drinkers might not be aware of this risk, it is very real. Binge drinking is defined by MayoClinic.com as the rapid consumption of five drinks or more. Another, less common, cause is the accidental ingestion of household products that contain alcohol. Alcohol poisoning from accidental ingestion frequently occurs in children. Alcohol poisoning can result in many grave complications.
Choking
According to MayoClinic.com, alcohol is a powerful stomach irritant. The ingestion of large amounts of alcohol cause vomiting in many people. The trouble with this vomiting is that patients suffering from alcohol poisoning have an inhibited gag reflex. Normally, a gag reflex is a protective mechanism against entry of ingested material into the airways and lung. Choking on vomit can lead to cessation of breathing and immediate death. If the vomitus is inhaled into the lungs, it can cause severe respiratory distress.
Fatal Complications
The Connecticut Clearinghouse lists several fatal complications of alcohol poisoning. In addition to the chocking listed above, a large dose of alcohol can cause the arrest of respiration via direct depression of the central nervous system's breathing center. Binge drinking or drinking during a dare is especially dangerous because the subject might consume a dose large enough to suppress the respiratory center before they pass out. Before the breathing eventually stops, it slows down and becomes very irregular. Alcohol poisoning can also suppress the heart and cause cardiac arrest. Cardiac arrest may also occur if the body temperature drops too low and the patient develops severe hypothermia. Alcohol poisoning is famous for causing potentially fatal hypothermia.
Neurological Complications
MayoClinic.com notes that alcohol poisoning causes the glucose levels in your blood to drop very quickly to a dangerous level, sometimes resulting in seizures. Also, the Connecticut Clearinghouse mentions that alcohol poisoning has drastic effects on the brain. It initially causes mental confusion which progresses to drowsiness then coma. Unfortunately, the brain may not recover completely from an alcohol poisoning episode. Alcohol poisoning can lead to severe irreversible brain damage.
