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Overlooked sources of ethanol
F Khan1, K Alagappan, K Cardell
1Department of Emergency Medicine, Long Island Jewish Medical Center, New Hyde Park, New York 11040, USA.
The Journal of Emergency Medicine
|December 14, 1999
Summary
Patients with alcohol dependence may consume non-beverage ethanol (NBE) products like mouthwash. Healthcare providers should be aware of NBE to prevent serious health risks.
Area of Science:
- Toxicology
- Emergency Medicine
- Addiction Psychiatry
Background:
- Alcohol dependence presents complex challenges in emergency settings.
- Patients may resort to unconventional ethanol sources when conventional alcohol is unavailable.
- Non-beverage ethanol (NBE) products are often overlooked in clinical assessments.
Observation:
- A patient with acute ethanol intoxication and suicidal ideation had persistently elevated serum ethanol levels.
- The elevated levels were traced to the secret ingestion of mouthwash, a personal hygiene product.
- The patient was allowed to retain personal hygiene items despite routine searches.
Findings:
- Non-beverage ethanol (NBE) products, including mouthwash, cosmetics, and remedies, contain high ethanol concentrations.
- Consumption of NBE is driven by financial constraints and accessibility.
- NBE ingestion can lead to severe ethanol intoxication and associated health complications.
Implications:
- Clinicians must consider NBE ingestion in cases of unexplained ethanol intoxication, especially in alcohol-dependent individuals.
- Awareness of NBE availability and consumption patterns is crucial for accurate diagnosis and management.
- Screening for and educating patients about the dangers of NBE products can prevent morbidity and mortality.