ALCOHOL INTOXICATION IN CHILDHOOD AND ADOLESCENCE

Coma and vomiting are the commonest symptoms in young teenagersintoxicated by alcohol. Severe toxicity, manifested as coma,occurs at lower blood alcohol concentrations in young teenagersthan in adults. The effect of ethanol on the state of consciousnessis directly proportional to blood alcohol concentration. Amongchildren under 5 years of age the risk of hypoglycaemia is increased.A significant risk in acute alcohol intoxication is the rapiddevelopment of coma, which in cold environments could lead tofatal hypothermia. Preschool-age children are reported to eliminateethanol twice as fast as adults, whereas young teenagers eliminateit at the adult rate. The biochemical disturbances in children11 to 16 years of age with alcohol intoxication resemble thoseof adults. Mild acidosis of a respiratory or metabolic originand mild hypokalaemia are common findings in young teenagers.Fluid replacement with glucose-containing fluids and follow-upare generally the only treatments needed for complete recovery.Motives leading to alcohol intoxication are a wish to get drunk,experimenting, problems in human relations, and attempted suicide.The underlying problems are often family-related. such as divorce,an alcoholic parent and a lower socioeconomic group.