Almost died after 7 days of drinking alcohol continuously without eating

Phu Tho A 51-year-old man drank alcohol continuously for 7 days, did not eat anything, then turned purple and fainted, falling into a deep coma.

On June 13, Dr. Tran Thach Hai, Head of the Department of Emergency - Resuscitation and Anti-Poisoning, Phu Ninh District Medical Center, said that the patient was admitted to the hospital in a state of gasping for breath (slow breathing alternating with periods of apnea), cyanosis of the whole body, marbled skin all over the body, rapid, weak pulse, low blood pressure, and incontinence. Before that, the patient was talking nonsense and had no control over his behavior.

The doctor diagnosed the patient with alcohol abuse leading to poisoning. When drinking too much alcohol, not eating or drinking, the body loses inhibition, loses control, the patient suffers from severe poisoning with symptoms of nerve stimulation, hypoglycemia, hypotension, hypothermia, even respiratory failure, deep coma.

The emergency team placed an endotracheal tube, ventilated the patient, used vasopressors to increase blood pressure, and administered fluids. Fortunately, after an hour, the patient was out of danger.

According to Dr. Hai, alcoholic beverages (wine, beer) increase the risk of high blood pressure, heart failure, and stroke if consumed for a long time. Alcohol abuse causes hepatitis, cirrhosis, acute pancreatitis, diabetes, and affects the nervous system with symptoms such as unclear speech, numbness, itching in the feet and hands, and memory loss. Alcohol is harmful to the digestive system, reduces the ability to absorb nutrients, causes bloating, flatulence, stomach ulcers, duodenal ulcers, and reduces fertility.

When consumed on an empty stomach, most of the alcohol passes quickly from the stomach into the small intestine and most of the alcohol is absorbed into the bloodstream, increasing side effects such as affecting the ability to think and coordinate body movements. Signs of poisoning include pain, nausea, shortness of breath, and vomiting.

"Drinking a large amount of alcohol on an empty stomach and drinking for a long time is very dangerous and can cause death," said Dr. Hai, advising against abusing alcohol and beer. If you drink alcohol, you should eat a full meal and add starchy foods. Stop when you drink too much and lose control.

Thuy Quynh

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