Intoxication Symptoms

Intoxication is a poisonous condition caused due to over consumption of certain products. However, one may not be aware, but over consumption of water also leads to intoxication. One may wonder how can a person suffer from intoxication of water, which is often considered as good for health. However, one should remember that the excess of everything is often hazardous to health. Let us have a look at the causes of alcohol and water intoxication.

Intoxication Causes
As we have differentiated intoxication with two examples, viz. Alcohol intoxication and water intoxication; the following are the causes of alcohol and water intoxication in detail.

Alcohol Intoxication Causes
Alcohol poisoning or intoxication occurs when a person consumes excess amount of alcohol. The alcohol consumed by a person quickly mixes with the blood stream and is carried throughout the body and the brain. When the level of alcohol in the blood rises, it affects the neurotransmitters in the brain resulting in abnormalities in behavior and emotions. People often drink alcohol when they are happy, or sad, or stressed out. There is a great misconception that alcohol helps in overcoming depression which is far from true. However, a greater number of people consume alcohol in order to get rid of depression, anxiety and insomnia. Secondly, alcohol is very addictive and people also get tolerant to it in a short period of time. This conditions and severe alcoholism contribute in causing alcohol intoxication.

Water Intoxication Causes
On the other hand, water intoxication is a result of drinking too much water. However, this occurs only when the level of salt drops significantly and the water level rises. The diluted water is taken more quickly by cells which leads to expansion of the cells. When the cells in the brain expand, they interfere in the functioning of the nerves and hence, leads to abnormal mental processes. This condition is known water intoxication. It can also be caused due to hypothyroidism, usage of antidepressants, vomiting and dehydration.

Symptoms of Intoxication
The following are the symptoms of alcohol and water intoxication in detail.

Symptoms of Alcohol Intoxication

• Changes in behavior
• Aggression
• Mood swings
• Sleepiness or insomnia
• Loss of memory
• Lack of coordination of movements
• Slurred speech
• Nausea
• Violence
• Bad temper
• High blood pressure
• Dizziness
• Seizures
• Staggering
• Difficulty in understanding and communication

Symptoms of Water Intoxication
The signs of water intoxication look very much similar to the symptoms experienced during dehydration.

• Nausea
• Muscle cramps
• Vomiting
• Slurred speech
• Lack of coordination
• Seizures
• Headaches
• Dizziness

Water intoxication symptoms in babies slightly differ from those in case of adults. Swelling on the face, hands and feet is one of the most important symptom of water intoxication in case of babies. Secondly, irritability, constant crying, dehydration, etc. are the other symptoms.

All the above mentioned symptoms of alcohol as well as water intoxication can be treated if immediate and quick treatment is undertaken. Therefore, it is essential to call for emergency health care in case one observes a case of intoxication. Alcohol poisoning treatment includes abstaining from drinking alcohol completely. Water intoxication symptoms in adults and children look similar to the symptoms observed in dehydration. Therefore, it is essential to look for proper diagnose of the condition before the commencement of the treatment.

As a concluding note, one should remember that the excess of anything is always dangerous, or sometimes, even fatal. Lastly, one should remember that alcohol does no good to a person's life and health and hence, it is better to abstain from it. Take care!