Medical expert of the article
New publications
Alcohol vapor poisoning
Last reviewed: 15.06.2024
All iLive content is medically reviewed or fact checked to ensure as much factual accuracy as possible.
We have strict sourcing guidelines and only link to reputable media sites, academic research institutions and, whenever possible, medically peer reviewed studies. Note that the numbers in parentheses ([1], [2], etc.) are clickable links to these studies.
If you feel that any of our content is inaccurate, out-of-date, or otherwise questionable, please select it and press Ctrl + Enter.
Methanol is the simplest one-atom alcohol. The substance is used in the chemical and pharmaceutical industries, as it is a solvent, liquid fuel, a component of antifreeze. Its external characteristics are similar to ethyl alcohol.
The body is affected by exposure to alcohol vapors and ingestion. Methanol and its metabolic products (formaldehyde and formic acid) are potent poisons that have a devastating effect on the nervous and vascular system. The danger of alcohol is that it is rapidly absorbed into the body and slowly excreted.
Symptoms of the alcohol vapor poisoning
General symptomatology of alcohol inhalation injury:
- State of Intoxication.
- Headache and dizziness.
- Irritation of the conjunctival mucosa.
- Upper respiratory irritation.
In the basis of the mechanism of development of intoxication a significant role is played by increasing acidosis and saturation deficit of the body.
There are several types of poisoning, which differ in the severity of damage to the body.
1. Basic symptoms of poisoning:
- Headache and dizziness.
- Nausea and vomiting.
- Muscle and joint pain.
- Abdominal pain.
- Confusion.
- Sensory disturbance.
- Increased sleepiness.
- Photophobia and decreased visual acuity.
In laboratory tests, the level of red blood cells and hemoglobin increases in the blood, protein and hyaline cylinders are detected in the urine.
2. Severe lesions develop after a phase of psychomotor agitation and are manifested by such symptomatology:
- Decreased visual acuity.
- Pupil dilation.
- Blueing of the skin and mucous membranes.
- Breathing is deep and inefficient.
- B.P.'s down.
- Weak pulse.
- Seizures.
At this stage, the patient needs emergency first aid as there is a risk of cerebral edema, respiratory arrest and cardiovascular dysfunction.
3. Chronic exposure of the body to methanol:
- Increased irritability.
- Rapid fatigue and weakness.
- Decreased performance.
- Swelling, vein dilation.
- Redness of the eyes.
- Right subcostal pain.
- GI disorders.
- Thrombocytopenia in the general blood count.
Treatment of the alcohol vapor poisoning
The first thing that should be done when the body is affected by alcohol vapors is to call an ambulance. Before the arrival of medical personnel, the victim should be given emergency care, which consists in rapid elimination of toxins from the body. For this purpose, gastric lavage, copious drinking, saline laxative, use of alkaline solutions are recommended. The antidote is ethyl alcohol (0.5 ml per 1 kg of weight).
If the victim is sent to the hospital, treatment begins with normalization of water-salt and acid-base metabolism. To eliminate signs of metabolic acidosis and prevent cerebral edema, bicarbonate solutions and diuretics are used.
In the absence of qualified medical care, there is a risk of death. In case of severe poisoning, death occurs on the 3rd or 4th day. Also do not forget about complications. These include: persistent impairment of quality and reduction of visual acuity, functional damage to the liver and GI organs, CNS disorders.