Alcoholic products, especially those produced outside sanitary regulations and artisanal settings, can contain toxic substances that threaten health. Traces of methanol, propanol, and ethylene glycol may be present in some illicit drinks, and exposure to these chemicals can be life-threatening. This warning comes from Ekaterina Kashukh, a gastroenterologist and candidate of medical sciences at a renowned laboratory, who spoke to socialbites.ca about the dangers of substandard alcohol.
The harmful effects of low-quality alcohol vary in severity but can cause lasting damage to internal organs. Liver cells may suffer injury, and the normal functioning of the nervous and cardiovascular systems can be disrupted. Even at lower doses, toxins can trigger a range of symptoms and complications that demand urgent attention.
Beyond nausea and vomiting, common signs of poisoning from poor-quality alcohol include persistent headaches, rapid or irregular heartbeat, and episodes of palpitations. These symptoms should not be ignored, as they may indicate serious systemic disruption that requires medical evaluation.
In more severe cases, such poisoning may lead to seizures and paralysis. Without prompt emergency treatment, multiple organ systems can fail, and there is a risk of coma or death. These warnings were issued by the doctor, underscoring the need for swift action when alcohol poisoning is suspected.
The recommended response is to call an ambulance immediately if poisoning is suspected. While waiting for medical help, positioning the person on their side or stomach helps prevent choking on vomit. If possible, it is advised to stay with the person and monitor breathing and responsiveness.
Before the arrival of professionals, several measures might be considered to provide temporary relief, though they should never delay professional care. If the individual is conscious, one measure discussed is to help with washing the stomach by offering water with a small amount of soda, and to stimulate a gag reflex through careful prompting. After vomiting, keeping the person warm with a blanket is advised. The use of an adsorbent may be considered in some cases, but gastric lavage should only be performed by medical personnel or under direct supervision when the patient remains conscious. If the affected person shows fear or reduced reaction to stimuli, providing fresh air and monitoring their breathing is important until help arrives.
In more extreme situations, resuscitation may become necessary. If breathing stops or becomes dangerously irregular while waiting for doctors, starting artificial respiration and performing indirect heart massage can be life-saving steps within the scope of trained responders. These instructions reflect guidelines shared by medical experts to stabilize affected individuals until professional care is available. [Citation: Ekaterina Kashukh, clinical expert; socialbites.ca interview; clinical guidance from Gemotest Laboratory.]
Recent reports from the Ulyanovsk region indicate a concerning cluster of intoxication cases linked to counterfeit alcohol. The latest figures show the number of people affected rising to 43, highlighting the ongoing risk posed by illicit beverage production and distribution. Public health officials reiterate the importance of avoiding unverified products and seeking immediate medical help in cases of suspected poisoning. [Regional health bulletin, official update; corroborated by medical professionals.]