Alcohol poisoning and how to treat it.
Immediately after drinking alcohol, 20% is absorbed in the stomach and the remaining 80% is absorbed in the intestines. Within minutes of drinking, alcohol enters the bloodstream, and after a few hours, the blood alcohol concentration will reach its maximum, potentially leading to mild to severe poisoning depending on the amount of alcohol, the type of alcohol, and the individual's constitution.
(Baonghean.vn) -Immediately after drinking alcohol, 20% is absorbed in the stomach and the remaining 80% is absorbed in the intestines. Within minutes of drinking, alcohol enters the bloodstream, and after a few hours, the blood alcohol concentration will reach its maximum, potentially leading to mild to severe poisoning depending on the amount of alcohol, the type of alcohol, and the individual's constitution.
Symptoms of alcohol poisoning:
- Reduced and loss of voluntary motor skills such as inability to hold chopsticks, pour water, etc., inability to control behavior, slurred speech, calling people by the wrong names... After drinking too much, the drinker may be unable to walk, lose balance, and be unable to sit up on their own.
- When the body can no longer metabolize alcohol, ingested alcohol will be vomited out. In many cases, drinkers fall into a coma, lose consciousness, are unresponsive to questions, and lose reflexes. This is especially common in people who are new to drinking alcohol or who rarely drink but consume excessive amounts.
- In severe cases of alcohol poisoning, alcohol can suppress the respiratory center and cause respiratory arrest. The drinker's life may be in danger if not given timely emergency treatment.
- Special attention should be paid to elderly individuals or those with cardiovascular disease, as alcohol intoxication often masks the symptoms of cardiovascular events such as cerebral hemorrhage or myocardial infarction. Therefore, if alcohol poisoning is treated well but the patient remains unconscious, a brain-related cause should be immediately considered.
- When intoxicated, in addition to losing senses and reflexes, drunk people are also prone to pneumonia due to cold exposure or choking on vomit. This is why patients often require long hospital stays and treatment, which is very expensive.
How to treat alcohol poisoning?
- Absolutely do not drink alcohol on an empty stomach. If you are drunk, try to induce vomiting, then rub both cheeks vigorously. Give them a glass of hot milk or strong tea. Unbutton their collar, loosen their belt, and lay them down in a cool, well-ventilated place (avoid drafts).
- The patient should be lying face down on the bed, with arms extended behind them and face tilted to the left. If there are signs of convulsions, irregular breathing, falls resulting in bleeding from the ears or eyes, or irregular heartbeat, they must be taken to the emergency room immediately.
- At the hospital: Perform tests to check vital signs. Position the patient safely, ensure airway patency, administer oxygen if needed, and manage hypoglycemia and metabolic acidosis.
Gastric lavage with activated charcoal or alkaline saline solution. Cardiovascular support and hemodynamic stabilization. Pay attention to detecting complications due to alcohol intoxication.
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