Alcoholic coma happens when the person is unconscious due to the effects of excess alcohol in the body. It usually occurs when drinking uncontrollably, exceeding the liver's ability to metabolize alcohol, which leads to intoxication of the brain and various organs in the body. When more than 3 grams of alcohol are checked per liter of blood, there is a greater risk of alcoholic coma.
This condition is considered a serious condition, and if it is not quickly treated, it can lead to death, due to decreased breathing capacity, decreased heart rate, in addition to falling blood glucose levels or other complications such as the development of arrhythmias and acidic coma, for example.
When signs indicating alcoholic coma are detected, such as loss of consciousness, deep sleep in which the person does not respond to calls and stimuli or difficulties in breathing, it is important to call SAMU or an ambulance as soon as possible, to avoid aggravating the situation which can cause death or severe neurological sequelae.
When can be alcoholic coma
A sign of an alcoholic coma is that you are unconscious or unconscious after an excessive consumption of alcohol. Some signs that can appear before the alcoholic coma are:
- Excessive drowsiness; Fainting or loss of consciousness; Difficulty articulating words or phrases; Inability to concentrate; Loss of sensitivity and reflexes; Difficulty walking or standing.
This is because although, initially, alcohol has a disinhibiting effect, the 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 lead to an inability to keep breathing, a slow heartbeat and a drop in blood pressure, which can lead to death if treatment is not done properly.
These signs and symptoms arise when the liver, responsible for metabolizing and helping to eliminate alcohol, is no longer able to metabolize all the alcohol that is ingested, which leads to an increase in the concentration of this substance to toxic levels in the blood. Also check out other effects of alcohol on the body.
What to do in case of alcoholic coma
Firstly, it is very important to be aware of the appearance of symptoms that precede alcoholic coma, especially the difficulty in articulating words or phrases, disorientation, sleep and vomiting, because, if the person still has some 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 alcoholic coma, it is necessary to quickly call for medical assistance, such as SAMU 192, so that the person can be rescued as soon as possible.
In addition, until the SAMU arrives, the person should be kept lying on his side, in the so-called lateral safety position to avoid possible suffocation with vomiting. To avoid hypothermia, it is important to ensure that the person is covered and in a warm environment, where there is no cold draft or exposure to sudden changes in temperature.
It is not recommended to offer liquids, food or medication if the person is not aware, as it may increase the risk of choking. It is also not indicated to induce vomiting in the unconscious person or to give a cold bath to try to wake him. If the person has a breathing or heartbeat arrest, it is advisable to start the cardiopulmonary resuscitation maneuver. Check out what to do in cardiopulmonary arrest.
How the treatment is done
The treatment of alcoholic coma by the medical team is done with serum directly into the vein for hydration, to help speed up the elimination of alcohol and recovery, in addition to intravenous glucose, vitamin B1 replacement and the regularization of electrolyte levels, if they are altered.
In addition, if necessary, the doctor may recommend the application of antiemetic or anticonvulsant medications, according to the symptoms presented by the patient. Continuous monitoring of the person's vital data will be necessary, as it is possible that there may be worsening of the condition and respiratory or cardiac arrest.
After recovery, it is advisable to alert the patient and family about the dangers of alcoholism and, if necessary, refer the person to a center specializing in the treatment of alcoholism. Find out how alcoholism treatment can be done.
