Think before you drink: Overconsumption can have deadly consequences
March may be known for its Spring Break partying, but when binge drinking becomes part of the festivities it can be downright dangerous. This relates not only to the people drinking, but also to those around them.
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) defines binge drinking as the consumption of five or more alcoholic drinks for men and four or more drinks for women on a single occasion.
Overconsumption of alcohol is responsible for more than 80,000 fatalities in the United States each year, making it the third leading preventable cause of death. According to a CDC report released in January 2012, states in the Midwest are among the most affected by binge drinking.
Dr. Daniel Shiba, family medicine physician on Staff at Advocate Good Shepherd Hospital, warns that alcohol affects every organ of the body, especially the liver, pancreas, and heart.
“The full sedative effect of alcohol is delayed for 60 minutes to 90 minutes after intake, and it is possible for one to ingest more alcohol than the liver can metabolize,” Dr. Shiba says. “Therefore, a person can ingest a large amount in a short period of time and then, if not observed, pass out and potentially stop breathing.”
A very common side effect of excessive drinking is inflammation and irritation of the stomach lining, which results in pain, nausea, and vomiting.
“The minor cases can be treated with antacids, while serious cases can involve major bleeding from the stomach similar to that of an ulcer,” Dr. Shiba says. “In addition, it should be noted that one of the common causes of pancreatitis (inflammation of the pancreas) is overconsumption of alcohol. The prognosis of pancreatitis can also range from minor to life-threatening.”
Another effect of overconsumption is the so-called “holiday heart,” a term applied to various disturbances in heart rhythm, ranging from a few extra beats to dysrhythmias, such as atrial fibrillation. The condition is usually short in duration, but can be significant enough for the individual to seek medical attention.
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Beyond the medical health risks, binge drinking can lead one down a destructive path.
“Overconsumption of alcohol predisposes people to injury due to several mechanisms,” Dr. Shiba explains. Impaired balance causes falls. Impaired judgment can result in risky behaviors, such as driving too fast or socially inappropriate or hurtful behavior. These actions can often involve others via car crashes and interpersonal violence.
“It’s sometimes difficult not to get swept up in the revelry, but it’s important to be mindful of how much one has consumed and to keep the definition of ‘binge drinking’ in mind. It can also help to stay with people who have a similar point of view on the matter and intend to keep themselves safe and in control.”
About Advocate Good Shepherd Hospital
Advocate Good Shepherd in Barrington, Illinois is a 169-bed acute care hospital with more than 700 physicians representing 50 medical specialties. It is part of Advocate Health Care, named one of the Top Ten hospital systems in the U.S. by Thomson-Reuters. Advocate Good Shepherd Hospital is ranked highest in Illinois for quality and patient safety according to Blue Cross Blue Shield’s 2011 Blue Star Reportâ„¢. Advocate is a faith-based organization that exists to serve its communities. In 2010, Advocate provided more than $474,000,000 in charity care and services to its communities. For more about Advocate Good Shepherd Hospital: www.advocatehealth.com/goodshep