In our country, the problem of alcoholism is very acute. And it concerns, unfortunately, not only older people, but also young people. In addition to the fact that people drink a lot and often get stuck in the so-called binges, when leaving them, a huge number of very different problems can also arise. One of them is delirium tremens. Symptoms, treatment at home of this disease, the causes of its occurrence - I want to talk about this now.
Terminology
Initially, you need to understand what constitutes delirium tremens. So, it should be noted that this is the popular name of this problem. In medicine, this condition is called alcohol delirium. There is a problem in alcohol-dependent people, patients with stages 2-3. However, there may be delirium tremens and those who do not take alcohol too often. But in this case, you must first take low-quality alcohol, the so-called surrogate.
Causes of delirium tremens
Considering the topic "Delirium tremens: symptoms, treatment at home," you must also talk about the main causes of this problem. So, alcohol delirium may appear:
- After heavy and long binges.
- After consuming low-quality alcohol products.
- With pronounced somatic pathologies.
- With organic damage to the brain.
It is also important to note that the pathogenesis of delirium tremens has not yet been fully studied. However, scientists argue that the main problem in this case is a violation of the exchange of neurotransmitters of the central nervous system, as well as severe intoxication of the body.
First signs
Initially, it is necessary to tell when the first symptoms of delirium tremens in alcoholics may appear. So, it is worth noting that very often people do not identify them as such. Often they are simply confused with the so-called boudun or otodnyak. The trembling of hands is indicated by trembling hands, increased sweating of a person, jumps in body temperature, redness of the eyes and face. However, these problems are often mistaken for the symptoms of a particular disease, which is completely unrelated to the consequences of drinking alcohol. In this case, the patient's relatives should pay attention to his sleep. So, he will be weak and restless. And before going to bed, flashes of anger or mood swings can often occur . Deviations in human behavior, mental breakdowns and fluctuations in the functioning of the nervous system also testify to the problem.
Stage and main symptoms
What are the symptoms of delirium tremens after binge? So, the manifestations of this problem also depend on the stage of its development:
- Korsakovsky psychosis. This is the first stage when the patient has disorders of memory, attention, sleep. Those. neurological disorders are present.
- Rave. This is a more serious stage. Psychosis has not yet acquired a severe form, while hallucinations are absent. But the condition is gradually getting worse.
- The third stage in medicine is called severe. All kinds of neurological disorders are already manifested here. It is in this case that they talk about the classic delirium tremens.
Symptoms that may occur in a patient:
- Migraines, tinnitus, headache.
- Lack of appetite.
- Increased anxiety.
- Aggressiveness, sharp mood swings.
- Tremor of the limbs.
- Increased sweating.
- Hallucinations: tactile, visual, auditory.
- In some cases, cramps occur.
Complications
Having understood what delirium tremens is, symptoms, what to do in the event of a similar phenomenon - this must be told. And all because this condition is fraught with serious complications, in which not only the alcoholic himself, but also his relatives and close people can suffer. Very often, when they are captured by hallucinations, patients commit suicide or try to fight their fears with other dangerous methods, putting their lives at risk. Despite all the danger of the consequences of hallucinations, the state of delirium tremens is extremely negative for the whole organism: organs, systems. Often after this condition, the patient is found to have serious liver damage. There are bleeding, digestive disorders of varying complexity. During alcohol delirium, immunity is also significantly weakened, which leads to the fact that a person is easily infected with various viruses and bacteria. The most serious and irreversible complication is death.
First aid
Understanding what is delirium tremens, symptoms, what to do first, if a person is in a state of alcohol delirium, this should also be said. Initially, it should be noted that this problem lasts on average from three to seven days (rarely, and longer). When the first symptoms appear, you need to do the following:
- The patient must be put to bed, despite all his attempts to resist this. If a person is violent, you can also bind him. This item is important, because it is worth protecting a person who is in a state of alcohol delirium.
- Next, you need to call a doctor. After all, it is extremely difficult to cope with this problem on your own.
- It is important to remember that the patient needs a lot of fluid, so often you need to give him a drink. You also need to periodically cool the human body, which is easiest to do in the shower.
- It is important to remember that the patient must first be reassured. Therefore, the use of sedatives is relevant. In this case, you may need the medicine "Diphenhydramine" or "Piracetam".
It is important to remember that you should not swear or scream at the patient. After all, words in this state will turn out to be simply useless (a person simply will not accept them).
Treatment in the walls of the house
Having studied what is delirium tremens, symptoms, treatment at home - this is also important to dwell on. After all, it often happens that the patient simply does not have the opportunity to be taken to the hospital or to call a doctor. That is why it is important to know what in this case can be done independently.
The main tasks that therapy should adhere to at home:
- Decrease in body intoxication.
- Maintaining a safe level of vital body functions.
- Prevention of various problems that can occur as a result of delirium tremens.
If a person has delirium tremens, treatment at home must include detoxification therapy. In this case, you need to force diuresis (give as much drink as possible, you can use various diuretics). Enterosorbents, for example, Enterosgel, work well in this area.
It is very important to remember that it is necessary to keep the water-salt and electrolyte balance in the body at a normal level. In this state, the loss of potassium is extremely dangerous, so you need to try to make up for the loss of this trace element.
You can also use drugs that enhance metabolism. However, most often, such funds are poured into the patient’s blood through droppers in medical institutions (glucose solution or “Cytoflavin” drug). So, delirium tremens, symptoms are considered. Home treatment should also include symptomatic therapy. That is, we must remember that it is necessary to treat not only the delirium tremens itself, but also other problems that may arise against its background.
The use of folk remedies
With such a problem as delirium tremens, treatment with folk remedies is also relevant. However, it is worth remembering that there are practically no old recipes on how to overcome this ailment. However, you can try to prevent this problem from occurring. In this case, the patient can put in a glass two leaves of bay leaf and the root of the lovage. When all this is infused with vodka for about half an hour, you need to give the drink to the alcoholic. This drink can cause him disgust. And this will not allow the possible occurrence of another alcoholic delirium.