Diagnosis and treatment of acute alcoholism

  Alcoholism is commonly known as intoxication. Alcohol (ethanol) consumed in large quantities at one time produces a stimulating and then depressing effect on the central nervous system, and high levels of ethanol intake lead to temporary anesthesia of the respiratory center and the nerve center that controls the heartbeat, resulting in death because oxygen cannot be taken in, or nutrients cannot be delivered throughout the body.  Alcoholism is caused by many factors such as genetics, physical condition, psychological, environmental and social factors, but varies widely on an individual basis, with genetics considered to be the factor that plays a key role.  Staging and manifestations of acute alcohol intoxication: Acute alcoholics often have a definite drinking process before the onset of the disease, and their breath and vomitus have the odor of alcohol.  The manifestations of intoxication can be roughly divided into three phases: excitement phase – red eyes (i.e., conjunctival congestion), flushed or pale face, slight dizziness, increased language, bravado, mouth like a river, boastful talk, frivolous behavior, some performance rude and rude, emotional, hitting and destroying things, temperamental and unpredictable. The vast majority of people in this period think they are not drunk and continue to raise their glasses, not knowing how to restrain themselves. Some of them sleep peacefully. Ataxia – clumsy movements, staggering gait, incoherent speech, slurred pronunciation. Coma phase – pale face, wet and cold skin, slightly purple lips and mouth, rapid heartbeat, slow and snoring breathing, and dilated pupils. In severe cases, coma, convulsions, urinary and fecal incontinence, and death by respiratory failure. Some patients with alcohol intoxication may also develop symptoms such as high fever, shock, increased intracranial pressure, and hypoglycemia.  The essence of alcohol intoxication is not “excitement”, but rather a state of inhibition of the central nervous system caused by alcohol, and there may be functional disorders of the circulatory system, respiratory system, and digestive system. When the cerebral cortex is inhibited, the subcortical centers lose control of the cortex and some uncontrolled excitatory behaviors appear; when the subcortical centers are also inhibited, the apparent excitement disappears. Therefore, regardless of whether it appears to be “excitement” or “inhibition”, the essence of “intoxication” is not excitement but inhibition.  On-site rescue for acute alcohol poisoning: for those who are mildly intoxicated, first of all, we should stop them from continuing to drink; secondly, we can find some pears, horseshoes, watermelon and other fruits to relieve him of alcohol (coffee and strong tea are not suitable); we can also use the method of stimulating the throat (such as using chopsticks, etc.) to cause the vomiting reflex and vomit out the stomach contents such as wine as soon as possible (this method is not suitable for patients who have fallen asleep), and then we should Arrange for him to rest in bed, pay attention to warmth, pay attention to avoid obstruction of the respiratory tract by vomit; observe the respiratory and pulse conditions, and if there is no special, he will recover on his own upon waking up. If, after bed rest, there is still a rapid pulse, slowed breathing, wet and cold skin, and irritability, the person should be sent to the hospital immediately for treatment. In severe acute alcohol poisoning, symptoms such as irritability, lethargy, dehydration, convulsions, shock, and weak breathing will occur, and you should be sent to the hospital for emergency treatment as soon as possible.  Treatment: 1. No treatment is needed for mild cases, and those who are excited and agitated should be restrained if necessary.  2, ataxia (such as unsteady gait) patients, avoid activities to avoid trauma.  3, comatose patients should pay attention to whether other drugs are taken at the same time. Focus on maintaining the function of vital organs: (1) Maintain a patent airway and adequate oxygen supply, artificial respiration and tracheal intubation if necessary.  (2) Maintain circulatory function, pay attention to blood pressure, pulse, and intravenous input of 5% glucose saline solution.  (3) Monitor electrocardiogram for arrhythmias and cardiac enzymes to check for myocardial damage.  (4) Keep warm and maintain normal body temperature.  (5) Maintain water, electrolyte, and acid-base balance.  (6) Protect brain function, apply naloxone 0.4-0.6mg slowly by sedation to help shorten the coma time, and repeat the drug if necessary.  (4) In case of severe acute poisoning, hemodialysis or peritoneal dialysis can be used to promote the excretion of alcohol from the body.