Question

Describe the signs of alcohol poisoning and the appropriate treatment based on the individual’s presentation.

Answer 1

Signs and symptoms of alcohol poisoning:

Even when someone stops drinking, blood alcohol concentration (BAC) can continue to rise for 30-40 minutes, resulting in worsening symptoms.

The following signs and symptoms may indicate a progression from being drunk to alcohol poisoning:

• confusion
• hypothermia (the person's body temperature drops)
• pale skin, sometimes it may take on a bluish tinge
• the individual is unresponsive but conscious (stupor)
• the individual passes out
• abnormal breathing - sometimes up to 10 seconds between breaths
• very slow breathing
• vomiting - potential to choke on vomit when confused

In serious cases:

• breathing might stop completely
• a heart attack may occur
• there is a risk of choking on their own vomit - vomit might be inhaled into the lungs causing a serious infection
• hypothermia
• if the individual loses too much fluid (severe dehydration), there is a risk of brain damage
• if blood glucose levels drop (hypoglycemia), they might develop seizures

If the alcohol poisoning is extreme, the patient can go into a coma and potentially die.

Treatment for alcohol poisoning

Alcohol poisoning is a significant medical condition. It requires immediate treatment if suspected.

If a person is thought to have alcohol poisoning, an ambulance should be called. Before the ambulance arrives, the following assistance should be given:

• try to keep the individual awake
• try to keep them in a sitting position, not lying down - if they do lie down, turn their head to the side
• if they can take it, give them water
• if the person is unconscious, put them in the recovery position and check they are breathing
• do not give them coffee; caffeine will worsen the dehydration
• do not lie them on their back
• do not give them any more alcohol to drink
• do not make them walk

In the hospital, depending on the patient's BAC level and severity of signs and symptoms, staff may just monitor them until their alcohol levels gradually drop. However, depending on the severity of symptoms, other treatments may include:

• a tube inserted into their windpipe to help with breathing
• an intravenous drip to manage hydration, blood glucose, and vitamin levels
• a urinary catheter if they become incontinent
• in some cases, the patient's stomach may be pumped - fluids are flushed through a tube that goes down their mouth or nose

If the patient - who may sometimes be a child - has unintentionally drunk methanol or isopropyl alcohol and has alcohol poisoning they may need dialysis to speed up the removal of toxins from their system.