OverviewAlcohol poisoning is a serious — and sometimes deadly — consequence of drinking large amounts of alcohol in a short period of time. Drinking too much too quickly can affect your breathing, heart rate, body temperature and gag reflex and potentially lead to a coma and death. Show Alcohol poisoning can also occur when adults or children accidentally or intentionally drink household products that contain alcohol. A person with alcohol poisoning needs immediate medical attention. If you suspect someone has alcohol poisoning, call for emergency medical help right away. SymptomsAlcohol poisoning signs and symptoms include:
When to see a doctorIt's not necessary to have all the above signs or symptoms before you seek medical help. A person with alcohol poisoning who is unconscious or can't be awakened is at risk of dying. Alcohol poisoning is an emergencyIf you suspect that someone has alcohol poisoning — even if you don't see the classic signs and symptoms — seek immediate medical care. Here's what to do:
Don't be afraid to get helpIt can be difficult to decide if you think someone is drunk enough to warrant medical intervention, but it's best to err on the side of caution. You may worry about the consequences for yourself or your friend or loved one, particularly if you're underage. But the consequences of not getting the right help in time can be far more serious. Sign up for free, and
stay up to date on research advancements, health tips and current health topics, like COVID-19, plus expertise on managing health. To provide you with the most relevant and helpful information, and understand which information is beneficial, we may combine your email and website usage information with other information we have about you. If you are a Mayo Clinic patient, this could include protected health information. If we combine this information with your protected health information,
we will treat all of that information as protected health information and will only use or disclose that information as set forth in our notice of privacy practices. You may opt-out of email communications at any time by clicking on the unsubscribe link in the e-mail. CausesAlcohol in the form of ethanol (ethyl alcohol) is found in alcoholic beverages, mouthwash, cooking extracts, some medications and certain household products. Ethyl alcohol poisoning generally results from drinking too many alcoholic beverages, especially in a short period of time. Other forms of alcohol — including isopropyl alcohol (found in rubbing alcohol, lotions and some cleaning products) and methanol or ethylene glycol (a common ingredient in antifreeze, paints and solvents) — can cause other types of toxic poisoning that require emergency treatment. Binge drinkingA major cause of alcohol poisoning is binge drinking — a pattern of heavy drinking when a male rapidly consumes five or more alcoholic drinks within two hours, or a female rapidly consumes at least four drinks within two hours. An alcohol binge can occur over hours or last up to several days. You can consume a fatal dose before you pass out. Even when you're unconscious or you've stopped drinking, alcohol continues to be released from your stomach and intestines into your bloodstream, and the level of alcohol in your body continues to rise. How much is too much?Unlike food, which can take hours to digest, alcohol is absorbed quickly by your body — long before most other nutrients. And it takes a lot more time for your body to get rid of the alcohol you've consumed. Most alcohol is processed (metabolized) by your liver. The more you drink, especially in a short period of time, the greater your risk of alcohol poisoning. One drink is defined as:
Mixed drinks may contain more than one serving of alcohol and take even longer to metabolize. Risk factorsA number of factors can increase your risk of alcohol poisoning, including:
ComplicationsSevere complications can result from alcohol poisoning, including:
PreventionTo avoid alcohol poisoning:
Jan. 19, 2018 What are the 3 stages of intoxication?Reduced Awareness, Information Processing, and Visual Acuity.. Stages of Intoxication.. Reduced Muscle Coordination (BAC = 0.09 to 0.25 percent). Confusion (BAC = 0.18 to 0.30 percent). Stupor (BAC = 0.25 to 0.49 percent). Coma (BAC = 0.35 to 0.50 percent). Death (BAC = 0.50 + percent). What are the harmful effects of intoxication?Alcohol intoxication is serious. It affects your body temperature, breathing, heart rate, and gag reflex. It can also sometimes lead to coma or death. Both young people and adults can experience alcohol poisoning.
What is the most serious effect of intoxication?severe intoxication (alcohol poisoning):
Severe dizziness. Severe deficits in coordination and psychomotor skills. Potential hypothermia. Potential coma (usually BAC greater than 0.4 percent, loss of consciousness, lack of defensive reflexes, respiratory failure).
What is the main cause of death from alcohol?The major causes of alcohol-related death are alcohol poisoning, cancer, car accidents, heart failure, liver damage, and violence.
|