Alcohol Poisoning – Symptoms and Causes
Consuming too much alcohol can have devastating consequences on a person’s health. One concern is that binge drinking or having too much alcohol can cause alcohol poisoning. Someone with alcohol poisoning can end up in the hospital or worse. Consuming large amounts of alcohol over a short period of time has proven deadly for some people.
This article will take a detailed look into alcohol poisoning using the information provided by the Mayo Clinic. Alcohol poisoning can occur in children and adults. In some cases, alcohol poisoning is on accident such as when a child unknowingly consumes alcohol. In other cases, it is not an accident.
Common Symptoms of Alcohol Poisoning
Alcohol poisoning can cause a number of adverse symptoms including:
- Irregular or slow breathing
- Vomiting
- Unconsciousness
- Hypothermia or low body temperature
- Seizures
- Abnormal heart rate
As noted by the Mayo Clinic, people with alcohol poisoning should seek medical treatment immediately. If alcohol causes a person to pass out or lose consciousness, they may be at risk of slipping into a coma or dying.
Common Causes of Alcohol Poisoning
Consuming too much alcohol is the primary cause of alcohol poisoning. As stated above, children on occasion accidentally consume household items containing alcohol causing an overdose. College-aged students are at high risk for alcohol poisoning because of the prevalence of alcohol abuse on campuses across the country.
Each year, binge drinking at college campuses and universities results in serious injury or death to students between the ages of 18-24. It is important to engage in conversation with your teen or young adult about the dangers of consuming too much alcohol.
Read more about alcohol poisoning Complications and Prevention from the Mayo Clinic.