What to do for acute alcohol intoxication accompanied by dizziness
Nov 24, 2025
Source: Cainiu Health
Dr. Wang Lei
Introduction
Acute alcohol intoxication accompanied by dizziness requires immediate measures such as maintaining airway patency, adjusting body position to prevent falls, rehydrating to promote metabolism, monitoring vital signs, and avoiding self-induced vomiting, in order to rapidly alleviate emergency risks. If symptoms such as confusion, rapid breathing, or decreased blood pressure occur, immediate medical attention is recommended. Unbutton the patient's collar and loosen the belt, clear the mouth
Acute alcohol intoxication accompanied by dizziness requires immediate measures such as maintaining airway patency, adjusting body position to prevent falls, rehydration to promote metabolism, monitoring vital signs, and avoiding self-induced vomiting, in order to rapidly alleviate emergency risks. If symptoms such as confusion, rapid breathing, or low blood pressure occur, immediate medical attention is recommended.
1. Maintain Airway Patency: Unbutton the patient's collar and loosen their belt, clear any vomit or secretions from the mouth to prevent airway obstruction when lying on the back, ensuring unobstructed breathing and reducing the risk of suffocation.
2. Adjust Body Position to Prevent Falls: Place the patient in a lateral (side-lying) position on a flat, safe surface. Avoid unnecessary movement or attempts to stand, preventing falls and injuries caused by dizziness. The side-lying position also helps reduce the risk of aspiration of vomit.
3. Rehydrate to Promote Metabolism: When the patient is conscious and able to swallow normally, provide small, frequent sips of warm water, honey water, or lightly salted water. This helps rehydrate the body and accelerates alcohol metabolism, alleviating dizziness caused by dehydration.
4. Monitor Vital Signs: Closely observe the patient’s level of consciousness, respiratory rate, and pulse. If worsening confusion, shallow or slow breathing, or weak pulse occurs, immediate further emergency intervention is required.
5. Avoid Self-Induced Vomiting: Do not induce vomiting if the patient is unconscious or experiencing severe dizziness, as this may cause vomit to enter the airway and lead to choking. Indiscriminate vomiting may also damage the gastrointestinal mucosa.
Following initial management, ensure the patient gets adequate rest in a quiet, well-ventilated environment, avoiding strong light and noise stimulation. Diet should consist of light, easily digestible liquid foods, avoiding spicy or greasy items. Alcohol consumption must be strictly avoided in the short term to allow gradual recovery of bodily functions.
