Alcohol poisoning
From Drug Rehab Wiki
Alcohol poisoning is a condition that occurs after drinking a large number of alcoholic beverages within a short period of time. People can die from alcohol poisoning.
Alcohol poisoning is usually the result of binge drinking, defined as downing five or more drinks quickly in a row, or by accidentally drinking household products such as mouthwash that contain alcohol. The amount of alcohol needed to cause alcohol poisoning varies by individual, and is related to factors such as the person's weight, age, tolerance for alcohol, whether or not food has been consumed, drug usage, and general health. Diabetes and other diseases can increase the likelihood of alcohol poisoning.
Symptoms are confusion, stupor, vomiting, seizures, slow breathing defined as breaths of less than eight per minute, gaps of more than ten seconds between breaths, blue or pale skin, low body temperature, and unconsciousness. People ages 35 to 54 years old are most likely to experience alcohol poisoning, because this is the group that drinks the most often.
Alcohol poisoning occurs because alcohol depresses the nerves that control breathing, the rate of heartbeat, and the gag reflex. Too much alcohol can stop these functions. If left without treatment, a person experiencing alcohol poisoning may have seizures, hypothermia, choke to death on vomit or die after inhaling vomit into the lungs. He or she may simply stop breathing and die, especially if left to "sleep it off." This homemade remedy, as well as drinking coffee, taking a shower, or taking a walk will not help anyone with alcohol poisoning, and could prove fatal.
The thing to do is to keep the person propped up so he will not choke on his vomit and then call 9-1-1. Do not wait for the person to experience every symptom listed above or he could die or experience permanent brain damage.
Emergency room physicians provide treatment by monitoring the person, administering fluids, and providing oxygen, thiamin and glucose. Some people will need kidney dialysis.
