Alcohol intoxication: what is it, symptoms, consequences

Alcohol intoxication is an extremely unpleasant condition, life-threatening. There is no standard amount of alcohol, after which poisoning occurs. It depends on gender, age, metabolic processes in the body, the state of internal organs and many other factors. Let's consider what happens when alcohol intoxication occurs. What are its symptoms and consequences?

What is alcohol intoxication

When alcohol is consumed, complex chemical processes occur in the body. Ethanol or alcohol is oxidized in the liver and transformed into toxic aldehydes. Further reactions produce the compound ethanol, which is very poisonous. It then becomes alkaloids, which have narcotic properties.

How these substances will be neutralized and excreted depends on the functionality and health of the liver. If too much ethanol comes in, even a healthy liver will not be able to process it. Intoxication of the body ensues.

If a person has never consumed alcohol, or does so sparingly and rarely, their body may react with even small amounts. In those who abuse it regularly, the body is used to the effects of toxins. Therefore, such a person may drink much more before intoxication sets in. This is a great danger, as an excessive dose can lead to the destruction of internal organs and death.

Symptoms of alcohol poisoning:

• An unhealthy glint in the eyes.
• Excessive excitability and activity or, on the contrary, lethargy, apathy.
• Vomiting.
• Convulsions, impaired coordination of movements.
• Confusion of consciousness, delirium, hallucinations.
• Slow and irregular breathing.
• Decreased body temperature.
• Pale and bluish skin.

Consequences of alcohol intoxication

Alcohol intoxication leads to such consequences for a person:

• Hepatosis, chronic hepatitis and cirrhosis of the liver. The body's filter becomes unusable. The absorption of nutrients is disturbed and the blood is not purified properly.
• Pancreatitis - inflammation and destruction of the pancreas causes severe pain. Without the functioning of this organ, proper digestion of food is impossible. This leads to disability or even death.
• Damage to the mucous membrane of the stomach and intestines, gastritis, stomach ulcers.
• Reduced reproductive function. Abnormalities and deformities in the child of a mother who abuses alcohol.
• Alcoholic encephalopathy, cognitive impairment. Brain neurons are destroyed, the ability to learn is reduced, memory is impaired, dementia develops. In severe forms, alcoholic epilepsy and psychosis occur.
• Cardiovascular system disorders, heart attack, hypertension and stroke.

Chronic alcohol intoxication gives severe health consequences. Even a single poisoning with ethanol and its derivatives leads to an increased load on the liver, sometimes to its damage. There is a suppression of the brain and the cardiovascular system is disrupted. If you are intoxicated with alcohol, you need to see a doctor urgently. Self-treatment can aggravate the condition.