How to Determine Alcohol Poisoning Symptoms
Alcohol poisoning is a serious and life-threatening condition. The CDC reports that approximately 79,000 people will die from this condition every year. The scariest fact of all is that anyone who chooses to consume alcohol can fall victim to this illness.
Definition
This serious condition is the direct result of drinking large amounts of alcohol in a small amount of time. Consuming large levels of alcohol before the body has had time to process and deal with what has been consumed can lead to problems with breathing and heart rate. While a mild case will result in a serious hangover, a serious case may result in coma and death.
The act of downing several drinks in a row, or binge drinking, is almost certain to cause some level of poisoning. It is vital that people who might be suffering from this poisoning get immediate medical attention.
Symptoms
The symptoms of this condition can be confused with a general state of intoxication. It is important to know the difference because immediate care can be life-saving care.
• Confusion, stupor – Most people who are tipsy may get confused, but they still know basic information like their own name and where they live. General and mild confusion will occur with mild poisoning. However, extreme unresponsiveness and general lethargy is indicative of more serious, possibly dangerous poisoning.
• Vomiting – It’s normal for people who have been drinking to vomit as a result of mild poisoning. However, the vomiting should not be continuous. It also should not continue to the point of dry heaves or where the person is only bringing up bile.
• Seizures – Seizures are never normal and a person who is having them should immediately be taken to the emergency room.
• Slow breathing – It’s normal to slow down when drinking. However, if the person is taking fewer than eight breaths a minute then a serious problem may exist.
• Irregular breathing – Breaths should be regular, even when consuming alcohol. If the person is experiencing long gaps of more than ten seconds between breaths, alcohol poisoning may have occurred.
• Skin that is blue-tinged or pale
• Low body temperature – If the person feels unusually cool, they probably need more than just a blanket. Wrap them warmly, stop the flow of alcohol going to them and call for help.
• Unconsciousness – If the person can not be roused, it is important to call for emergency help.
All of these symptoms do not have to be present for poisoning to exist. If any of these symptoms are present the person may require immediate medical attention.
Seeking Help
It’s understandable that people don’t always seek help when they suspect a friend may have consumed too much alcohol. People don’t want to be embarrassed by calling for help when the person doesn’t actually require it. Here are some tips to help you know when to call for help and how to handle different situations.
If the breathing is slower than eight breaths a minute or vomiting is continuous, it is important to call 911 and get medical help for the affected person. The alcohol continues to release into the blood stream from the stomach even after the person has stopped drinking. A person with these symptoms should never be allowed to just “sleep it off”.
If you are concerned about a conscious person you can contact poison control at 800-222-1222. The staff member will ask questions about the person, the alcohol they have consumed and the symptoms. They will be able to advise you as to whether a call to 911 is warranted. Calls to poison control are confidential, so people who are engaged in underage drinking can still call for help.
If the person is unconscious, they should never be left alone. If they can not be roused, emergency medical help should be called. Never attempt to make a person with suspected poisoning vomit. Stay with them while waiting for help to monitor their breathing and pulse. The person should be rolled on their side. This will allow the emesis to safely exit the mouth should they vomit.
The Dangers
Alcohol is quickly absorbed by the body. Unlike food and other nutrients that take a long period of time to get into the bloodstream, alcohol can move into the body very quickly. There are many factors that will affect how quickly the alcohol moves into the system. Factors such as weight, sex and the amount of food that has been consumed will impact how quickly the alcohol is metabolized.
The greatest danger lies in binge drinking. When the alcohol is consumed so quickly, the chances of consuming a lethal dose are dangerously high. People who are not accustomed to drinking are actually at a higher risk for poisoning as their body has not been able to develop any tolerance for the alcohol.
Alcohol is known to depress involuntary body movements such as breathing and heartbeat. When the alcohol levels are high enough, it is possible for breathing or heartbeat to stop completely. Another danger is that body temperature will drop dangerously low, resulting in hypothermia. Falling blood sugar as the body attempts to deal with the sudden onslaught of alcohol can result in seizures.
Poisoning from alcohol can result in coma and death. It is senseless and completely avoidable. Binge drinking should always be avoided and alcohol should be consumed in moderation. Consuming food along with the alcohol will help to slow it’s absorption into the blood stream. If you are out with friends and believe that someone may have fallen victim to this ailment, they should be monitored closely. They should not be given any more alcohol and emergency medical help should be called if the more serious symptoms of slow breathing, irregular breathing, hypothermia or seizures are present.
Definition
This serious condition is the direct result of drinking large amounts of alcohol in a small amount of time. Consuming large levels of alcohol before the body has had time to process and deal with what has been consumed can lead to problems with breathing and heart rate. While a mild case will result in a serious hangover, a serious case may result in coma and death.
The act of downing several drinks in a row, or binge drinking, is almost certain to cause some level of poisoning. It is vital that people who might be suffering from this poisoning get immediate medical attention.
Symptoms
The symptoms of this condition can be confused with a general state of intoxication. It is important to know the difference because immediate care can be life-saving care.
• Confusion, stupor – Most people who are tipsy may get confused, but they still know basic information like their own name and where they live. General and mild confusion will occur with mild poisoning. However, extreme unresponsiveness and general lethargy is indicative of more serious, possibly dangerous poisoning.
• Vomiting – It’s normal for people who have been drinking to vomit as a result of mild poisoning. However, the vomiting should not be continuous. It also should not continue to the point of dry heaves or where the person is only bringing up bile.
• Seizures – Seizures are never normal and a person who is having them should immediately be taken to the emergency room.
• Slow breathing – It’s normal to slow down when drinking. However, if the person is taking fewer than eight breaths a minute then a serious problem may exist.
• Irregular breathing – Breaths should be regular, even when consuming alcohol. If the person is experiencing long gaps of more than ten seconds between breaths, alcohol poisoning may have occurred.
• Skin that is blue-tinged or pale
• Low body temperature – If the person feels unusually cool, they probably need more than just a blanket. Wrap them warmly, stop the flow of alcohol going to them and call for help.
• Unconsciousness – If the person can not be roused, it is important to call for emergency help.
All of these symptoms do not have to be present for poisoning to exist. If any of these symptoms are present the person may require immediate medical attention.
Seeking Help
It’s understandable that people don’t always seek help when they suspect a friend may have consumed too much alcohol. People don’t want to be embarrassed by calling for help when the person doesn’t actually require it. Here are some tips to help you know when to call for help and how to handle different situations.
If the breathing is slower than eight breaths a minute or vomiting is continuous, it is important to call 911 and get medical help for the affected person. The alcohol continues to release into the blood stream from the stomach even after the person has stopped drinking. A person with these symptoms should never be allowed to just “sleep it off”.
If you are concerned about a conscious person you can contact poison control at 800-222-1222. The staff member will ask questions about the person, the alcohol they have consumed and the symptoms. They will be able to advise you as to whether a call to 911 is warranted. Calls to poison control are confidential, so people who are engaged in underage drinking can still call for help.
If the person is unconscious, they should never be left alone. If they can not be roused, emergency medical help should be called. Never attempt to make a person with suspected poisoning vomit. Stay with them while waiting for help to monitor their breathing and pulse. The person should be rolled on their side. This will allow the emesis to safely exit the mouth should they vomit.
The Dangers
Alcohol is quickly absorbed by the body. Unlike food and other nutrients that take a long period of time to get into the bloodstream, alcohol can move into the body very quickly. There are many factors that will affect how quickly the alcohol moves into the system. Factors such as weight, sex and the amount of food that has been consumed will impact how quickly the alcohol is metabolized.
The greatest danger lies in binge drinking. When the alcohol is consumed so quickly, the chances of consuming a lethal dose are dangerously high. People who are not accustomed to drinking are actually at a higher risk for poisoning as their body has not been able to develop any tolerance for the alcohol.
Alcohol is known to depress involuntary body movements such as breathing and heartbeat. When the alcohol levels are high enough, it is possible for breathing or heartbeat to stop completely. Another danger is that body temperature will drop dangerously low, resulting in hypothermia. Falling blood sugar as the body attempts to deal with the sudden onslaught of alcohol can result in seizures.
Poisoning from alcohol can result in coma and death. It is senseless and completely avoidable. Binge drinking should always be avoided and alcohol should be consumed in moderation. Consuming food along with the alcohol will help to slow it’s absorption into the blood stream. If you are out with friends and believe that someone may have fallen victim to this ailment, they should be monitored closely. They should not be given any more alcohol and emergency medical help should be called if the more serious symptoms of slow breathing, irregular breathing, hypothermia or seizures are present.
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How to Determine Alcohol Poisoning Symptoms
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