Alcohol (ethanol) poisoning (overdose)

Description

Drastic change in judgment, behavior, and/or mind caused by alcohol (ethanol) consuming.It cantypically have as consequence impulsive and non inhibited behavior. Alcohol has a different influence on different people. Same quantity may insignificantly affect to one person, and on the other one completely different, leading to difficult breathing, coma and even death.

Symptoms

Confusion, slurred speech, vomiting, difficulties with breathing, incoordination, emotional instability, coma, death.

Overview

Besides anamnesis and physical examination, other analysis may also be done, such as: level of alcohol (ethanol), examination of the liver function and electrolytes.

Tests

Complete blood count (CBC), biochemical blood analysis, hepatogram and lipase test.

Additional analyses

Level of ethanol

Specialists

General Practice, Internal Medicine

Therapy

The objective of the treatment is to maintain vital signs and prevent self-injury. Treatment may include: giving intravenous fluids, maintaining of vital functions, medications for vomiting, sedative drugs (benzodiazepines) and antipsychotics.