Ethyl alcohol poisoning

Proven content

Alcohol poisoning occurs when we drink too much alcohol that our body cannot absorb or excrete. The toxins contained in it cause disturbances in normal functioning, such as headaches, nausea, weakness, vomiting, speech and balance disorders. All these symptoms disappear relatively quickly – usually within a dozen or so hours after drinking alcohol.

Ethyl alcohol poisoning

Ethyl alcohol poisoning is a large part of all diagnosed poisoning. Ethyl alcohol (ethanol) is an organic chemical compound that is the main ingredient of pure spirit and vodka. Its characteristic feature is quick absorption from the gastrointestinal tract, which occurs even a few minutes after its consumption. Ethanol has a strong effect on the human body because it reduces immunity and increases the risk of ailments such as cancer of the liver, larynx or esophagus. Ethanol poisoning is a state of strong alcohol intoxication and occurs most often in children and adolescents who, as a result of poisoning, experience vomiting, lower blood pressure, convulsions and chills. The effect of consuming too much alcohol is hangover. However, it should not be confused with poisoning.

Symptoms of ethyl alcohol poisoning

Alcohol poisoning is often confused with ordinary intoxication, which is a misconception. Drinking alcohol in excess causes severe toxic reactions. The state after consuming alcohol is the state in which the blood concentration is 0,2–0,5 per mille. If it exceeds 0,5 per mille, it is a state of intoxication.

There are four degrees of alcohol poisoning associated with the following symptoms:

1. I degree of poisoning (the concentration of ethanol in the blood is between 0,3 and 0,4 per mille) – there is agitation, cheerfulness, self-confidence of the drinker, the smell of alcohol from the mouth, hyperactivity, speech problems, balance disorders, instability, strange behavior;
2. II degree of intoxication (onset of intoxication; the concentration is 0,5-0,6 per mille) – drowsiness is observed: weakness, speaking out of things, increased heart rate, speech orthosis, problems with consciousness and unsteadiness of movements;
3. 0,7rd degree (2 – XNUMX per mille) – there is light-headedness and the first symptoms of high blood pressure; weakness, loss of consciousness, inability to control your behavior and control the situation and your own physiology; the intoxicated person is oversensitive and easily provoked, in addition, there is less pain sensitivity, which can lead to dangerous situations;
4. IV degree of poisoning (2-3 per mille) – asphyxia, difficulties in maintaining balance, slurred speech, hypothermia, coma, breathing problems, lack of response to stimuli are characteristic; symptoms of alcohol poisoning appear;
5. V degree (3-4 per mille) – there is a full-blown alcohol intoxication and a decrease in parameters such as: body temperature, respiratory rate and blood pressure;
6. Stage VI – this is the phase in which the amount of ethanol in the blood exceeds 4 per mille and the human life is at risk.

In no case should you ignore ethanol poisoning, because it is not known how the body will react to its effects. Poisoning can occur in any person who consumes alcohol, and its severity depends on such factors as:

1. age,
2. body weight,
3. sex (alcohol intoxication is more common in women),
4. the amount of food consumed before drinking alcohol and the diet of the person drinking alcohol,
5. the type and amount of alcohol drunk,
6. the state of the drinking organism (sick people are less tolerant to alcohol),
7. preparations taken,
8. genetic disposition.

The liver, which has the appropriate enzymes, is responsible for the transformation and detoxification of ethyl alcohol. The unpleasant hangover symptoms have the side effects of alcohol metabolism.

Ethyl alcohol poisoning and a hangover

Many people who have consumed a large amount of alcohol suffer from a hangover the next day and say that they have alcohol poisoning. From a toxicological point of view, poisoning should not be compared to a hangover. Day-ahead (hangover) syndrome is a very subjective feeling that occurs as a result of the cessation of ethanol’s influence on the central nervous system. The body’s response to alcohol consumption is very individual and depends on many of the aforementioned factors. We can assume that a hangover is a symptom of alcohol abuse, but not necessarily poisoning.

How does a hangover come about?

There are several factors for this. It affects the formation of a hangover, among other things acetaldehydewhich is the result of the transformation of alcohol. Its effect is also intensified by other substances found in alcohols, the more of them there are, the more the symptoms of poisoning are intensified. Hence the frequent statement that after a “colored vodka” a headache the next day. It can be assumed that after high-quality, pure vodka, hangover symptoms will be less.

Hangover symptoms:

1. Headache,
2. nausea,
3. general feeling of being unwell
4. feeling crashed,
5. hypersensitivity to smells or sounds,
6. shaking hands
7. lack of appetite.

Ethyl alcohol poisoning – management

It is important for the determination of intoxication and the assessment of the severity of ethyl alcohol intoxication blood alcohol level determination and exclusion of a head injury that may have similar symptoms. A person suspected of having alcohol poisoning should receive basic care, i.e. keep them warm, hydrated and secure their basic activities. If alcohol poisoning may be grade III or IV, it is urgent to contact a doctor. In any case, alcohol poisoning requires the help of a doctor. It is important to place the poisoned person in a recovery position, because it often induces vomiting and a decrease in muscle tone, which in turn may lead to choking on vomit, or even suffocation. The casualty should be monitored at all times (breathing checks). After transport to the hospital, the patient is given intravenous vitamins, electrolytes and glucose. Gastric lavage is also often performed, and sometimes the antidote is used physostigmine. In extreme cases, when breathing disorders occur, intubation and artificial ventilation are necessary. In turn, for people suffering from the next day syndrome, a few home remedies are enough: rest, hydration, and replenishing glucose and electrolytes.

WARNING!

Consumption of 300 ml of ethyl alcohol per hour is equivalent to 0,7 l of vodka. It is a lethal dose! It is contraindicated to drink alcohol by pregnant women, as even a small amount of it can cause FAS – Fetal Alcohol Syndrome.

Regular alcohol consumption leads to addiction (alcoholism), which not only has a destructive effect on the patient’s life, but also on his family and loved ones. Very often, people who abuse alcohol are perpetrators of physical and mental violence against their relatives.

In the treatment of alcohol poisoning, tea from the Prickly Pear Flower will help. It has a detoxifying effect.

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