What are the symptoms of alcohol poisoning?

Alcohol poisoning is usually caused by consuming large amounts of alcohol in a short period or excessive drinking over a long period. Symptoms progressively worsen with increasing blood alcohol concentration and mainly include abnormalities in the nervous system, gastrointestinal discomfort, circulatory system symptoms, respiratory manifestations, and disturbances in consciousness. Specific details are as follows:

1. Nervous system abnormalities: Early symptoms include dizziness, headache, unsteady gait resembling intoxication, slurred speech, and accelerated speaking rate. As the condition worsens, symptoms such as limb numbness, slowed reaction, difficulty concentrating, and emotional instability may occur—manifesting as irritability or drowsiness. In severe cases, complete loss of motor coordination occurs.

2. Gastrointestinal discomfort: Alcohol irritates the gastrointestinal mucosa, causing noticeable symptoms. Initially, nausea and loss of appetite appear, followed by vomiting, often with an alcoholic odor. Severe vomiting may damage the esophageal mucosa. Some individuals experience upper abdominal bloating, pain, and acid reflux. Long-term drinkers may develop acute gastritis with more intense symptoms.

3. Circulatory system symptoms: Vasodilation leads to facial flushing and increased heart rate. Blood pressure may slightly rise initially but tends to drop as poisoning deepens, manifesting as cold extremities, clammy skin, palpitations, chest tightness, and weak pulse—indicating circulatory dysfunction requiring urgent intervention.

4. Respiratory manifestations: Early signs include rapid breathing and a distinct alcoholic odor on the breath. As the central nervous system becomes suppressed, breathing gradually becomes shallow and slow, with irregular rhythm. Severe cases may lead to difficulty breathing, cyanosis of the lips, or even respiratory arrest.

5. Consciousness disturbance: Progressing in severity, initial stages involve drowsiness—patients can be awakened by calling but respond slowly. This progresses to confusion, with no response to surroundings. In severe poisoning, patients fall into a coma, showing no reaction to painful stimuli and exhibiting dilated pupils.

To prevent alcohol poisoning, limit alcohol intake, avoid drinking on an empty stomach or continuous drinking within a short time frame, and drink plenty of water during alcohol consumption to promote metabolism. If someone shows signs of alcohol poisoning during gatherings, stop them from drinking immediately and place them in a lateral position to prevent choking from vomit.