In cases of alcohol or food poisoning, it is necessary to drink more water.
Alcohol and food poisoning on New Year's Eve can significantly spoil the holidays and undermine health, warned gastroenterologist Anna Menshikova.
The main threat of any poisoning, according to Menshikova, is dehydration due to the loss of fluids and salts from vomiting and diarrhea. According to her, if the symptoms of intoxication are moderate, it is important to simply replenish the lost fluids. If there is a single episode of vomiting or diarrhea and there are no signs of dehydration, it is sufficient to drink more plain water or familiar, but not overly sweet, beverages, such as diluted juice or compote. In the case of prolonged vomiting and/or diarrhea, the algorithm changes. It is important to start taking oral rehydration salts (saline solutions), which are sold in pharmacies and contain an optimal balance of salts and glucose, and to drink a teaspoon every 5-15 minutes.
As soon as the vomiting subsides and appetite returns, one can eat usual food (but refrain from fast food, fried, fatty foods, and chips, as this may provoke repeated vomiting), continued Menshikova. In cases of alcohol poisoning, if the person is conscious and feels nauseous, help them to assume a safe position (sitting or lying on their side) and ensure access to fresh air. At the same time, critically dangerous signs of alcohol intoxication, such as respiratory distress (rare, intermittent), cold, sticky, pale or bluish skin, and seizures, require an immediate call for emergency assistance.
An ambulance must also be called if a child under one year old, an elderly person, a pregnant woman, or a person with severe chronic illnesses is poisoned, as well as in cases of suspected botulism or mushroom poisoning.
