Alcohol poisoning is a term used by many people to refer to alcohol overdose. Alcohol overdose can cause a number of serious health consequences, including coma and death. In addition to the typical symptoms of drunkenness, which begin early in the process, alcohol poisoning also affects breathing, regulation of body temperature, and can lead to seizures. Alcohol also inhibits the gag reflex, which means that people with alcohol overdose may choke on their own vomit. Hypothermia (low body temperature) and hypoglycemia (low blood sugar) are complications of alcohol poisoning along with irregular heartbeat and slowed and irregular breathing.
Causes of alcohol poisoning
Alcohol poisoning or overdose results from the consumption of a large amount of alcoholic beverages over a short time, referred to as binge drinking.
Other alcohol poisoning symptoms and signs
- Blue-Tinged Skin
- Clammy Skin
- Confusion
- Decreased Gag Reflex
- Decreased or Slow Breathing
- Dehydration
- Gait Disturbances
- Hypoglycemia
- Hypothermia
- Irregular Breathing
- Irregular Pulse (Irregular Heartbeat)
- Loss of Balance
- Loss of Bladder Control
- Loss of Bowel Control
- Loss of Consciousness (Passing Out)
- Loss of Coordination
- Mental Status Changes
- Nausea
- Pale Skin
- Seizures
- Shaking
- Shivering
- Slurred Speech
- Stupor
- Vision Disturbances
- Vomiting
Kasper, D.L., et al., eds. Harrison's Principles of Internal Medicine, 19th Ed. United States: McGraw-Hill Education, 2015.
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