The harmful effects of alcohol addiction

Thong Nhat General Hospital recently admitted a 44-year-old male patient, KM, residing in Lam Dong province, who was transferred from Dinh Quan Regional General Hospital in a critical condition with severe abdominal pain, nausea, and respiratory failure. The patient was diagnosed with severe acute pancreatitis due to alcohol addiction – a dangerous complication commonly seen in people who consume alcohol for extended periods.

Patient M. is currently receiving treatment at Thong Nhat General Hospital. Photo: An Yen

Accordingly, the patient had a history of heavy alcohol consumption for many years, averaging about 1 liter of alcohol per day. Meanwhile, the patient lived a precarious life with no stable job, and the livelihood of the four family members depended on the 20-year-old son who worked as a laborer. Before hospitalization, the patient experienced dull pain in the epigastric region, cramping pain around the navel, accompanied by nausea and vomiting. The condition then worsened, leading to multiple organ failure.

After examination, CT scans, and laboratory tests, doctors determined that the patient had severe, progressive acute pancreatitis with damage to the liver, kidneys, and respiratory system. The patient received intensive treatment including intravenous fluids, pain relief, antibiotics, anti-nausea medication, and oxygen therapy. Although continuous renal replacement therapy (CRRT) was recommended, the patient refused it. Currently, the patient's condition has shown signs of improvement, but they still have a fever and are being closely monitored due to the high risk of complications.

Dr. Mai Viet Bac, Deputy Head of the Intensive Care and Toxicology Department at Thong Nhat General Hospital, stated that alcohol addiction is the leading cause of acute pancreatitis. Furthermore, alcohol can cause many other complications such as hepatitis, cirrhosis, gastrointestinal bleeding, mental disorders, and nerve damage.

“We frequently receive cases of alcohol-related illnesses, ranging from acute to chronic symptoms. Patients often suffer not only from damage to one organ, but also from a complete breakdown of both physical and mental health. In particular, once alcohol dependence develops, patients may experience withdrawal symptoms, tremors, agitation, and even paranoia due to damage to the nervous system. Therefore, to ensure both health and financial well-being, people need to limit alcohol consumption, adopt healthy eating habits, and avoid stimulants,” Dr. Bac noted.

An Yen

Source: https://baodongnai.com.vn/dong-nai-cuoi-tuan/202507/tac-hai-cua-nghien-ruou-a5f3583/