Alcohol poisoning Alcohol poisoning refers to the toxic condition caused by excessive alcohol consumption or the overuse of alcohol-based substances, leading to initial central nervous system stimulation followed by inhibition. Patients primarily exhibit abnormal behavior and consciousness, and in severe cases, it can result in damage to multiple bodily systems, and even pose a life-threatening risk. Based on the onset speed, it can be classified into acute alcohol poisoning and chronic alcohol poisoning.

Alcohol poisoning refers to a toxic condition caused by excessive alcohol consumption or the overuse of alcoholic beverages, leading to initial central nervous system stimulation followed by depression. Patients primarily exhibit abnormal behavior and consciousness, and in severe cases, it can cause multi-system damage and even be life-threatening. Based on the onset speed, alcohol poisoning can be categorized into acute alcohol poisoning and chronic alcohol poisoning.

Acute Alcohol Poisoning

This refers to a state of central nervous system dysfunction that occurs after the short-term ingestion of large amounts of alcohol or alcoholic beverages. Patients often exhibit abnormal behavior and consciousness, and in severe cases, organ function can be compromised, leading to respiratory and circulatory failure, ultimately endangering life. It is also known as acute ethanol poisoning.

Chronic Alcohol Poisoning

This is characterized by organ damage resulting from long-term excessive alcohol consumption. Clinical manifestations mainly involve central and peripheral nervous system disorders, accompanied by symptoms in the cardiovascular and digestive systems. In severe cases, it can lead to coma and even death. It is also known as alcohol dependence syndrome or alcoholism.

The primary cause of acute alcohol poisoning is the rapid ingestion of large amounts of ethanol or ethanol-containing beverages within a short period. There is a certain individual variability in alcohol tolerance, with the lethal dose generally being 250-500g for adults, around 25g for children, and 6-10g for infants.

Another significant cause of acute alcohol poisoning is an allergic reaction to alcohol.

Chronic alcohol poisoning often occurs in patients with a history of long-term alcohol consumption exceeding 10 years. The onset is associated with personal traits, negative emotions in life, genetic factors, and sociocultural factors.

Acute Alcohol Poisoning

Mild

Patients exhibit only neurological symptoms of emotional and linguistic excitement, such as incoherent speech, but without aggressive behavior. They can walk but with mild motor incoordination, can be awakened from drowsiness, and can provide generally correct simple responses, with normal neurological reflexes.

Moderate

Patients are in a state of stupor or coma.

They exhibit manic or aggressive behavior that cannot be alleviated by verbal or psychological counseling.

Impaired consciousness accompanied by severe ataxia with decreased neurological reflexes.

Hallucinations or convulsions may occur.

On the basis of mild poisoning, there may be significant organ dysfunction, such as alcohol-related cardiac arrhythmias (frequent premature beats, atrial fibrillation, or flutter), cardiac injury manifestations (ST-T abnormalities, more than a two-fold increase in cardiac enzymes), or upper gastrointestinal bleeding, pancreatitis, etc.

Severe

Patients are in a coma.

They exhibit signs of microcirculatory insufficiency, such as pale complexion, cold and moist skin, slightly purplish lips, rapid heartbeat, weak or non-palpable pulse, compensatory elevation or decrease in blood pressure (below 90/60mmHg, or a decrease in systolic blood pressure of more than 30mmHg from baseline). When coma is accompanied by clinical manifestations of decompensated shock, it is also referred to as extremely severe poisoning.

Significant organ failure may occur in vital organs such as the heart, liver, kidneys, and lungs.

Chronic Alcohol Poisoning

Patients exhibit a craving for alcohol and frequently experience compulsive desires for alcohol consumption.

Withdrawal Symptoms

It starts with tremors, nausea, and sweating, followed by anxiety, weakness, and a strong desire for alcohol. If the desire is not satisfied, fever, palpitations, vomiting, nystagmus, dilated pupils, and increased blood pressure may occur.

Neurological Manifestations

Long-term heavy drinking can lead to chronic alcohol poisoning-related brain diseases, including Wernicke's encephalopathy, Korsakoff's syndrome, chronic alcohol poisoning dementia, alcohol-induced tremors, delirium, alcohol-induced epilepsy, and alcohol-induced mental and behavioral disorders.

Psychological Manifestations

Chronic alcohol poisoning can lead to inattention, forgetfulness, thought interruption, weak will, sensitivity to external stimuli, irascibility, hot temper, reluctance to think deeply about issues, and even pessimism and nihilism, resulting in tragic outcomes.

Associated Symptoms

Alcohol poisoning can damage multiple organs such as the heart, liver, and digestive system, leading to corresponding associated symptoms.

For patients with stupor or coma due to acute alcohol poisoning, their airway and ventilation function should be assessed, and endotracheal intubation may be necessary.

If the patient is unconscious and experiences cardiac arrest, prompt cardiopulmonary resuscitation should be initiated.

Fluid, electrolyte, and acid-base balance should be maintained for the patient, and hypoglycemia should be corrected. Dehydrating agents should be administered for those with severe disulfiram-like reactions.

The treatment of acute alcohol poisoning is based on the principles of detoxification, clearing heat, and eliminating dampness. Throughout the treatment, the elimination of alcohol toxins is a consistent focus. At the onset of alcohol toxicity, the damage is mostly to the spleen and stomach, and the treatment mainly involves resolving alcohol toxicity and regulating the spleen and stomach. Subsequently, when alcohol toxicity affects the liver and gallbladder, the focus is on detoxification, clearing the liver, and promoting bile flow. As alcohol toxicity further affects the heart, timely treatment to clear the mind and invigorate the Qi and consolidate the leakage is necessary.

Other treatment methods are often combined, such as vomiting therapy, gastric lavage, acupuncture, and intravenous administration of traditional Chinese medicine.

During the recovery period of acute alcohol poisoning, attention should be paid to consuming easily digestible foods, mainly consisting of liquid or semi-liquid diets rich in protein and vitamins.

For patients with chronic alcohol poisoning, family members should learn and understand how to care for the patient, communicate more with the patient, assist in counseling, and supervise the patient's daily activities, ensuring the patient receives family care in terms of diet and living conditions.

During the withdrawal period, patients often exhibit feelings of depression, anxiety, and inferiority. Family members should promptly understand the patient's psychological state, help the patient understand their condition, and encourage them to face reality, patiently explaining any issues they raise.

Drink alcohol in moderation and avoid drinking on an empty stomach.

Maintain a balanced diet and consume foods rich in vitamins.

Engage in regular exercise and maintain a cheerful mood.

Avoid excessive alcohol consumption and alcohol abuse.

Cultivate new hobbies or engage in volunteer work to replace dependence on alcohol.

Implement alcohol sales regulations.

Conduct public awareness campaigns against alcohol abuse and encourage individuals struggling with alcohol addiction to quit and seek psychological treatment.