Long-term effects of alcohol

The alcohol poisoning (or alcohol intoxication, the clinical slang an Intox C2 ) is a poisoning of the human body by ethyl alcohol ( ethanol), which severely impaired consciousness and other body functions. It can in extreme cases lead to death by respiratory arrest and / or circulatory failure. When alcohol poisoning in the narrower sense, the acute poisoning is meant by the ( unique ) excessive intake ( drinking) of alcohol, especially by alcoholic beverages, is caused. Be distinguished from the chronic alcohol intoxication or alcohol disease that is caused by continued or repeated alcohol consumption and heavy organic changes pulls itself.

Stadiums

In acute alcohol poisoning there are four different stages, which are dependent on the blood alcohol concentration. ( Due to individual differences in the response to alcohol of the stated limits are a rough guide only. )

First stage

Excitation (blood alcohol concentration of 1-2 per thousand ):

  • Disinhibition phenomena, such as Talkativeness, loutishness ( starting at 0.2 parts per thousand )
  • Prolonged reaction time ( starting at 0.3 parts per thousand )
  • Decreased pain perception ( starting at 0.5 parts per thousand )
  • Imbalance ( starting at 0.8 parts per thousand )
  • Eye redness
  • Slightly slurred speech

Second stage

Hypnosis ( blood alcohol concentration between 2 and 2.5 per thousand ):

  • Possibly aggressiveness
  • Speech and articulation disorders
  • Incoordination
  • Blurred vision
  • Laxity (muscles )
  • Constricted pupils
  • Amnesia
  • Vomit

Third stage

Anesthesia (blood alcohol concentration between 2.5 and 4 per thousand ):

  • Unconsciousness
  • Shock
  • Dilated pupils

Stage Four

Asphyxia (blood alcohol concentration of 4 parts per thousand ):

  • Coma
  • Wide and non-reactive pupils
  • State of shock → circulatory failure death →
  • Decrease in spontaneous breathing ( Cheyne -Stokes respiration ) → Apnea → death
  • Hypothermia → death

What alcohol is lethal dose varies greatly from person to person and depends on the alcohol tolerance of the consumer. So some people may already occur at 3 per thousand of death, while another survived even 6 per thousand. Even extreme cases are known in which consumers have survived higher blood alcohol concentrations, however, this only with rapid intensive care (dialysis, infusions to " dilution " of the blood alcohol, glucose infusions at risk of hypoglycaemia ).

Therapeutic measures

It is primarily for alcohol poisoning the vital functions ( breathing, circulation ) to obtain. Therefore, a placement in an ICU is required. Since from a blood alcohol concentration of about 2 per mille there is acute danger of shock, the shock combat takes an important place in therapy. As an additional infusion glucose solution is administered in case of imminent hypoglycemia. Because of the crowded stomach it is very easy to vomiting aspiration, which requires a constant Absaugbereitschaft. In case of loss of consciousness, a combined stable side and shock position is required (only on chairs / carrying possible).

Development in Germany

Persons discharged from hospital inpatient patients ( including death and hour cases) from 2000 to 2010:

Balance (ability) Cheyne–Stokes respiration Recovery position
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