|  | Conditions Treatments | Medical Conditions

Alcohol Toxicity Emergency Treatment

Emergency treatment for alcohol intoxication provides supportive care while your body detoxifies itself. Stupor and coma occur in more severe cases. Intubation and oxygen therapy may be necessary, as well as IV fluids and B vitamins.

  1. Intubation

    • It may be necessary to insert a breathing tube in your airway and connect it to a respirator because you may stop breathing on your own. The tube also prevents you from choking on vomit.

    IV Fluids

    • Because alcohol irritates your stomach and impairs your gag reflex at the same time, you can keep vomiting and become severely dehydrated. Intravenous fluid support may be used to prevent dehydration.

    B Vitamins

    • You may also receive B vitamins to prevent brain injury from vitamin deficiency, which is a common symptom in alcohol abuse.

    Hypothermia

    • Alcohol constricts blood vessels and lowers your body temperature, so it will be necessary to keep your body covered during treatment. You may also receive glucose intravenously to help keep you warm.

    Other Treatments

    • Kidney dialysis and pumping your stomach are used in severe cases to rid your body of alcohol and speed recovery.

Medical Conditions - Related Articles