The alcoholic coma occurs when the person is unconscious due to the effects of excess alcohol on the body; this usually occurs when drunk uncontrollably, which exceeds the liver’s ability to metabolize alcohol, resulting in poisoning of the brain and various organs of the body. More than 3 grams of alcohol per liter of blood are controlled, the risk of alcoholic coma is higher.
This condition is considered a serious condition and if not treated quickly, can lead to death, due to decreased breathing capacity, decreased heart rate, decreased blood sugar or other complications such as the development of arrhythmias and acid coma, for example.
- When signs of an alcoholic coma.
- Such as loss of consciousness.
- Deep sleep in which the person does not respond to calls and stimuli or breathing difficulties are detected.
- It is important to call the SEM or an ambulance as soon as possible.
- To avoid worsening.
- The situation that can result in death or severe neurological damage.
An alcoholic coma sign is that you are unconscious or unconscious after excessive alcohol consumption. Signs that may appear before an alcoholic coma include:
Indeed, if alcohol has a disinhibitive effect at first, excessive consumption of this substance has the opposite effect and ends up causing a depression of the nervous system. After excess alcohol, excessive inhibition of the central nervous system can result in an inability to breathe. , a decrease in heart rate and a decrease in blood pressure, which can lead to death if treatment is not performed correctly.
These signs and symptoms occur when the liver, responsible for the metabolism and elimination of alcohol, is no longer able to metabolize all alcohol ingested, causing an increase in the concentration of this substance to toxic levels in the blood. effects of alcohol on the body.
First, it is very important to be attentive to the appearance of symptoms that precede the alcoholic coma, especially the difficulty of articulating words or phrases, disorientation, sleep and vomiting, because, if the person still has a certain level of consciousness and can eat, it is possible to prevent worsening by hydrating with water and eating food, especially sugary foods.
However, if you identify some of the symptoms that indicate an alcoholic coma, medical care, such as UAS 192, needs to be called quickly so that the person can be rescued as quickly as possible.
In addition, until the arrival of the UAS, the person must lie on his side, in the so-called lateral safety position to avoid possible suffocation with vomiting. To avoid hypothermia, it is important to make sure that the person is covered and in a warm environment, where there is no cold air current or exposure to sudden temperature changes.
It is not recommended to offer fluids, food or medication if the person is not aware of it, as this may increase the risk of choking, nor is it advisable to throw up or bathe in cold water to the unconscious person to try to wake them up. If the person has a respiratory arrest or heart rate, it is advisable to start cpR. Find out what to do in case of a cardiopulmonary stop.
Treatment of the alcoholic coma by the medical team is performed with serum directly in a vein for hydration, to help accelerate alcohol removal and recovery, as well as intravenous glucose, vitamin B1 replenishment and regularization of electrolyte levels, if modified.
In addition, if necessary, your doctor may recommend the application of antiemetic or anticonvulsant medications, depending on the patient’s symptomatology. Continuous monitoring of the person’s vital data will be necessary, as the condition may worsen and respiratory or cardiac arrest may occur.
After recovery, it is advisable to alert the patient and family members to the dangers of alcoholism and, if necessary, to refer the person to a center specialized in the treatment of alcoholism. Learn how alcohol treatment can be done.