Alcohol poisoning can occur if an individual drinks excessive amounts of alcoholic beverages in a short amount of time. The consequences of binge drinking can be serious and can result in death. When consuming large amounts of alcohol in short periods, the gag reflex, breathing and heart rate become affected. This can lead to coma and possible death.
The Effects of Binge Drinking On the Body
Alcohol is rapidly absorbed in the body and takes longer to be eliminated. Therefore, when consuming large quantities, the liver is unable to metabolize the alcohol. During binge drinking the liver simply cannot keep up with the processing of the alcoholic drinks and poisoning occurs. Because of this, the central nervous system becomes depressed. This causes the breathing, gag reflex and heartbeat to slow and sometimes shuts down. Hypothermia can result, which can lead to cardiac arrest and blood sugar levels can drop resulting in seizures.
Symptoms
Alcohol poisoning symptoms may include vomiting, confusion, slow and irregular breathing, low body temperature, pale or bluish skin, seizures and unconsciousness. If these symptoms occur, medical attention is needed immediately. If the individual cannot be awakened, this could be a life-threatening situation.
When to Seek Emergency Medical Help
Seeking emergency medical help should be done immediately if a person is suspected of having been poisoned due to drinking alcoholic beverages. This includes if the person becomes unconscious and breathing is less than eight times per minute or if the individual has uncontrolled vomiting. Even after a person stops drinking, the alcohol levels continue to rise in the body. If the individual is still conscious, call the local poison control center for instructions of how to handle the poisoning. With the help from Wisconsin medical toxicology specialists, they can instruct on if the individual needs to be taken to the emergency room based on symptoms. Knowing how much and what type of alcoholic beverage was consumed can help emergency personnel treat the individual. When waiting for help to arrive, never try to make the individual vomit. Because the gag reflex is affected, individuals could choke on their own vomit or aspirate the vomit into their lungs, causing death.
Treatment
Emergency treatment of alcoholic poisoning consists of Wisconsin medical toxicology analysis of the blood alcohol levels, blood sugar levels and urine testing to confirm the poisoning. The patient will then be given IV fluids to prevent dehydration, oxygen therapy and nutrients. Measures will be taken to prevent choking and breathing problems and the patient will be carefully monitored. With supportive care given while the alcohol is being eliminated from the body, serious complications can be prevented.
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