From the Guidelines
Alcohol poisoning is a life-threatening condition that requires immediate medical attention, and its symptoms include confusion, vomiting, seizures, slow or irregular breathing, blue-tinged or pale skin, low body temperature, and unconsciousness or passing out. The symptoms of alcohol poisoning can be severe and may lead to serious complications, such as respiratory depression, cardiac arrest, and even death [@1@]. It is essential to recognize the signs of alcohol poisoning and seek medical help right away.
Symptoms of Alcohol Poisoning
- Confusion
- Vomiting
- Seizures
- Slow or irregular breathing
- Blue-tinged or pale skin
- Low body temperature
- Unconsciousness or passing out
Treatment of Alcohol Poisoning
Treatment for alcohol poisoning typically involves supportive care, including:
- Monitoring vital signs
- Oxygen therapy
- Intravenous fluids to prevent dehydration
- Glucose administration to prevent low blood sugar
- In severe cases, gastric lavage (stomach pumping) or activated charcoal to remove alcohol from the stomach
- Hemodialysis in extreme cases
- Administration of thiamine (vitamin B1) to prevent Wernicke-Korsakoff syndrome [@1@]
Prevention of Alcohol Poisoning
Prevention is key, and it involves:
- Drinking responsibly
- Pacing alcohol consumption
- Eating before drinking
- Staying hydrated
- Avoiding excessive alcohol consumption, as it can lead to toxic buildup in the bloodstream, affecting vital body functions, particularly brain function controlling breathing, heart rate, and temperature regulation [@1@]
From the Research
Symptoms of Alcohol Poisoning
- Confusion, ophthalmoplegia, and gait ataxia are the classic triad of symptoms for Wernicke's encephalopathy, a condition related to alcohol poisoning 1, 2, 3
- Mental status changes, ocular dysfunction, and gait apraxia are common findings in Wernicke's encephalopathy, although the classic triad is only present in 10-16% of cases 2, 3
- Nausea, vomiting, memory loss, impaired speaking, impaired coordination, unstable gait, nystagmus, stupor, or coma can occur in acute ethanol intoxication 4, 5
- Hypothermia, hypotension, and coma should raise clinical suspicion for Wernicke's encephalopathy 2
Treatment of Alcohol Poisoning
- Timely administration of thiamine is the primary treatment for Wernicke's encephalopathy, although the route and dosage remain controversial 2
- Supportive and symptomatic treatments have been proven effective for acute alcohol intoxication, but there is no consensus on specific therapies 5
- Clinical judgment should be exercised in diagnosis and treatment, and overdiagnosis and overtreatment may be preferred to prevent prolonged or persistent neurocognitive impairments given the excellent safety profile of thiamine 2