August 2, 2021

Alcohol Poisoning - Symptoms | How to Stop Vomiting After Alcohol

Published by:

Dr Barbara Nawrot

Medically reviewed articleby Dr Bogdan Bas

Symptoms of Alcohol Poisoning

Observing and recognizing symptoms of alcohol poisoning is fundamental to providing medical help as quickly as possible. The first symptoms suggesting that we're dealing with alcohol poisoning are:

seizures

vomiting

stupor

disorientation

impaired consciousness.

Alcohol poisoning in a short time can lead to loss of consciousness. Alarming symptoms also include low body temperature and shallow breathing (less than once per minute). In extreme cases, if respiratory failure or circulatory failure occurs, there is a risk of death, which is why quick reaction is so important. Vomiting after alcohol can also appear after loss of consciousness. To prevent choking and even suffocation of the victim, it's necessary to place them in the recovery position. According to the rules that apply when providing first aid. One should try to revive the unconscious person. If the attempts made don't bring the desired effect, this may mean that the person has fallen into an alcohol-induced coma. Of course, an ambulance must be called, and until then remain with the patient, ensure their safety, and try to restore consciousness if loss of consciousness has occurred. During ethyl alcohol poisoning, continuous monitoring of the patient's condition is very important. This includes hydrating the organism to flush out alcohol, as well as drinking large amounts of water and frequent use of the toilet.

Contraindications for Alcohol Poisoning

Coffee, which irritates the stomach and can intensify poisoning symptoms, and tea are not recommended. Most people during alcohol poisoning feel excessive cold, so they should be covered. When the concentration of alcohol in the blood is too high, one should also make sure that the person who consumed too high a dose of alcohol doesn't fall asleep. It's a deceptive impression that poisoning can be "slept off." The level of ethyl alcohol in the organism continues to rise, and during loss of consciousness oxygen deprivation of the brain occurs, ultimately leading to brain damage. This can even result in death. Sleep is necessary for regeneration, including after such an incident, but only when all symptoms have subsided and proper medical help has been provided. After subsiding of poisoning symptoms from excess ethyl alcohol, general health care is important. Largely care for the liver, which deals with the greatest burden during alcohol poisoning. For this purpose, B vitamins are taken. Alcohol poisoning appears most often as a result of drinking excessive amounts of alcohol in a very short time. Therefore, such situations should be avoided, and if poisoning has already occurred, immediately call an ambulance while simultaneously ensuring the safety of the affected person. Making sure they don't fall asleep, trying to revive them in case of loss of consciousness, monitoring breathing and other vital functions that may indicate threats to the health and life of the victim. Subsequent medical actions are undertaken by a qualified team of paramedics and doctors.

How Long Does Alcohol Poisoning Last?

The duration of poisoning largely depends on the person's organism, as well as the amount of alcohol consumed, the type of medications taken, and genetic predispositions. Symptoms of alcohol poisoning persist until toxins are eliminated. This is most often carried out in hospital conditions.

Alcohol Poisoning – What Helps?

A person in whom alcohol poisoning is suspected should find themselves under the care of specialists as quickly as possible. Due to the high risk of loss of consciousness, the patient should not be allowed to sleep it off, as during this time the concentration of alcohol in the blood may still be rising. Immediate calling of medical help is necessary, followed by placing the patient in the recovery position due to frequent vomiting of bile after alcohol, which is associated with the risk of choking. While waiting for the ambulance, the person with poisoning should be covered with a blanket to limit heat loss. Their condition should also be monitored, checking whether they're breathing.

How to Alleviate Symptoms of Alcohol Poisoning?

As soon as the person with alcohol poisoning is in the hospital, the process of detoxification and cleansing the organism begins. First of all, the patient must be hydrated. For this purpose, IV drips are used that replenish deficiencies of vitamins, electrolytes, and glucose. If there's a risk of respiratory arrest, doctors often decide to use an intubation tube. If alcohol poisoning is mild and symptoms are characteristic of grade I (balance disorders, speech problems), treatment can be carried out at home. For this purpose, the patient should be provided with a warm place to lie down and a large dose of fluids. To replenish glucose levels, water with sugar can be given. One should avoid drinking coffee, consuming only easily digestible meals. Read also: How to Replenish Electrolytes After Alcohol Consumption?

Symptoms of Alcohol Poisoning vs. Withdrawal Syndrome Symptoms

A large portion of people don't distinguish symptoms of alcohol poisoning from the appearance of withdrawal syndrome symptoms. Unfortunately, in this area it's easy to make a mistake and neglect actions that save health and life. Ignorance and lack of knowledge on this topic causes not only the development of alcohol disease, but also serious threats to the person in question. Performing incorrect actions and the possibility of not calling professional help in time.

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