The chemical name of alcohol is ethanol. Alcoholism is an abnormal state in which the central nervous system is first excited and then suppressed due to excessive intake of alcoholic beverages. Generally self-healing, in severe cases, it can cause inhibition or even paralysis of the respiratory center, and it is also toxic to the liver. Once intoxicated, excitement first appears: red light on the face, talkative, incoherent, unstable walking leading to falling; Afterwards, inhibition appeared in an endangered state: unconscious, frequent convulsions, shallow and slow breathing, slowed heart rate, weak heartbeat, and decreased blood pressure. Irregular breathing and heartbeat can even cause death in severe cases.
First aid measures for alcohol poisoning
1. Immerse in cold water. When an intoxicated person is unconscious, two towels can be soaked in cold water, one on the back of the head and the other on the chest and diaphragm. Continuously pouring water into the mouth can gradually awaken the intoxicated person.
2. Apply floral dew. Drop a few drops of floral water onto a hot towel and apply it to the face of a drunken person. This method has a miraculous effect on sobering up and stopping vomiting.
3. Drink more tea. Brew some green tea (stronger is better), let it warm up and drink more. Due to the fact that tannic acid in tea can decompose alcohol, the degree of alcohol poisoning can be reduced. It is not appropriate to use coffee and strong tea to sober up. Drinking strong tea (containing theophylline) and coffee can stimulate the nerve center and have a sobering effect. However, due to the diuretic effects of both coffee and theophylline, it may exacerbate the body’s water intake during acute alcoholism, and may cause ethanol to be excreted from the kidneys before it can be further decomposed into acetaldehyde, thus having a toxic effect on the kidneys; In addition, coffee and theophylline have a combined effect of stimulating the heart, which can increase the burden on the heart; Coffee and theophylline may also aggravate the stimulation of alcohol on the gastric mucosa. Therefore, it is not appropriate to use coffee and tea to sober up. It is better to drink some fruit juice, mung bean soup, raw pears, watermelons, water chestnuts (horse hooves), oranges and other fruits to sober up
Precautions
1. For mildly poisoned individuals, the first step is to stop them from continuing to drink alcohol; Secondly, you can find some fruits such as pears, horse hooves, and watermelons to sober him up; It is also possible to induce vomiting reflex by stimulating the throat (such as using chopsticks), and quickly vomit stomach contents such as alcohol (not suitable for patients who have already fallen asleep). Then, arrange for them to rest in bed, keep warm, and avoid vomit blocking the respiratory tract; Observe the breathing and pulse, and if there is nothing special, wake up and recover on your own. If the patient still experiences increased pulse, slowed breathing, damp and cold skin, and irritability after resting in bed, they should be immediately sent to the hospital for treatment.
2. Severe acute alcohol poisoning can cause symptoms such as irritability, drowsiness, dehydration, convulsions, shock, and weak breathing. It is important to promptly seek medical attention.
3. Drinking alcohol on an empty stomach can also cause hypoglycemia. At this time, you should drink some sugar and hot water, and avoid drinking vinegar. Pay attention to maintaining a relaxed bed rest. If there are thrusts or spasms, it is important to prevent biting the tongue.