Toxic hangover

Mourrine Wambugu

After a wild night with your squad, waking up with a sharp hangover is no big deal.Usually, we simply treat with affordable painkillers and go back to the booze!However,the party stops when diagnosed with alcohol poisoning.

Our bodies absorb alcohol faster than food. Therefore,when you consume a high amount of alcohol,especially over a short period,your alcohol blood levels become high thus toxic.

Binge drinking and consuming illegal liquors are the main causes of this serious condition.

Signs and symptoms

• Confusion
• Vomiting
• Shallow,abnormal breathing
• Pale skin
• Body temperature drops,a condition called hypothermia
• Shivering
• Unconsciousness
• Where serious, a heart attack or a comma.

Treatment

This requires urgent medical attention.As first aid,try keeping the person awake,in a sitting position or lying by the side, NOT on their back.Give him/her only water and DO NOT make them walk.

In hospital, tubes are inserted to help with breathing and excretion.A drip is injected to manage glucose levels and ensure hydration.The stomach is pumped to flush the fluids through another tube inserted down the mouth. Recovering has side effects like nausea, headaches and stomach cramps.

Stay hydrated ,consume solid food before alcohol and avoid binge drinking.Have some pity on your liver!