Alcohol poisoning – causes, symptoms and first aid

Published: Monday, May 15, 2023

Alcohol poisoning is often confused with alcohol intoxication. Meanwhile, it is an extremely dangerous condition that can pose a threat to the health and even life of the poisoned person. That is why it is so important to know about the symptoms of acute alcohol poisoning, as well as to have the ability to provide first aid to a person intoxicated with alcohol. In today's article, we explain exactly what alcohol poisoning is, how to recognize it and how to handle it.

What is alcohol poisoning?

Acute alcohol poisoning is often equated with poisoning with non-drinkable alcohols, such as methanol or ethylene glycol. It is worth knowing, however, that alcohol poisoning most often occurs when consuming seemingly safe ethanol - contained in various beverages. Alcohol poisoning is nothing more than a consequence of consuming too much alcohol, usually in a short period of time. This is due to the fact that ethanol is also a substance that has a toxic effect on the human body.

Symptoms of alcohol poisoning.

Symptoms of alcohol poisoning can be easy to miss. As previously mentioned, they are very often confused with alcoholic intoxication, and the poisoned person is very often left alone. The situation is not helped by the fact that the dose of alcohol that causes alcohol intoxication varies from person to person. A person's susceptibility to the toxic effects of alcohol is influenced, among others, by gender, previously consumed food, smoking, or developed tolerance to alcohol.

What symptoms should raise the suspicion of acute alcohol poisoning? The most important symptoms of this condition include primarily:

  • ausea and vomiting;
  • oss of consciousness;
  • o response to stimuli;
  • rolonged pauses in breathing;
  • old and pale skin;
  • ypothermia;
  • eizure.

How to help a person poisoned by alcohol?

If you suspect someone of acute alcohol poisoning, do not leave that person alone without assistance. The best way out of the situation is to call the emergency number and call an ambulance. How to behave in the meantime?

In the case of acute alcohol poisoning, choking on the patient's vomit is a serious threat. This is why you should avoid laying an alcohol-intoxicated person on their back at all costs. If the patient is conscious, he can be placed in a sitting position. An unconscious person should preferably be placed in a fixed lateral position. The patient should not be left alone until the ambulance arrives.

A big threat, especially in the colder seasons of the year, is excessive hypothermia of the poisoned person's body. In this case, it is worth taking care of the patient's thermal comfort by covering him with a thermal blanket or jacket. If the patient is conscious and able to drink, it is a good idea to keep them hydrated by giving them water or juice. Otherwise, when the patient is unconscious, do not give him food or drink.

Alcohol poisoning can be life threatening

The consequences of acute alcohol poisoning can be terrible. Potential risks in this situation include:

  • choking on vomit
  • arrhythmias leading to heart damage or sudden death;
  • respiratory failure
  • hypothermia - excessive cooling of the body
  • hypoglycemia - excessive drop in blood sugar
  • excessive dehydration leading to seizures or permanent brain damage.

Too much alcohol? Alcohol detox is the only way to avoid a hangover!

You avoided alcohol poisoning, but still think you crossed the line at last night's party? Your morning will definitely not be the most pleasant. The excess intake of alcohol has caused a number of changes in your body that lead to the development of hangover symptoms. Fortunately, there is a way to quickly cleanse your body of alcohol residues and improve your well-being. Of course, we are talking about alcohol detoxification!

How to benefit from alcohol detoxification at KacDoktor?

Alcohol detoxification is a method that reduces the harmful effects of alcohol, treats hangovers, and prevents the occurrence of alcohol withdrawal syndrome. Have you had an intense weekend with your friends? Or maybe you need to recover from a lavish wedding? If you need to get back on your feet quickly, you are in the perfect place - we know everything about alcohol detoxification! You will meet experienced doctors and paramedics who will do their best to improve your health and well-being in a friendly atmosphere.

You can use our services in a modern clinic located in the center of Warsaw. However, we know perfectly well that a heavy hangover is not conducive to such visits. That is why, out of concern for the comfort of our patients, we enable the use of alcohol detoxification services at home, office or hotel. All you have to do is contact us by phone or fill out the online form, and our specialist will come to the address you specify in Warsaw and the surrounding towns. You don't have to worry about the wrong time, because we work 24 hours a day, every day of the week.

Have you overdosed on alcohol? Don't worry! Alcohol detox will cure your hangover in just an hour!

Call us! and book a visit, 24h / 7 days a week. +48 511 833 844