Beer Drinking: Deadly Poison Or Safe Beverage?

Alcohol is one of the most commonly used drugs in the US, and it is also one of the deadliest. In 2016, more than 3 million people died as a result of harmful alcohol use, according to the World Health Organization (WHO). This figure rose to over 178,000 in 2021, with alcohol contributing to the deaths of about 500 Americans per day. Alcohol-related deaths can be caused by a variety of factors, including liver cirrhosis, cardiac arrest, and acute alcohol poisoning. In 2020, alcohol played a role in an estimated 17.4% of deaths due to opioid overdoses. Additionally, in 2015, a 45-year-old man in Spain died from cardiac arrest after consuming 6-7 litres of beer in just 20 minutes. This tragic incident highlights the dangers of excessive alcohol consumption, even when the drink is as ubiquitous as beer.

Poisoned beer

Beer is one of the most popular alcoholic drinks worldwide, but it can also be deadly when consumed in excess or when contaminated. Here is a look at some incidents involving poisoned beer:

Mozambique Funeral Beer Poisoning:

In January 2015, a tragic incident occurred in Mozambique where 75 people lost their lives and 230 others were hospitalized after consuming contaminated beer at a funeral. The beer, a traditional fermented beverage called "pombe," made with sorghum, bran, corn, and sugar, was later found to be contaminated with the bacterium Burkholderia gladioli, which produced the toxic compound bongkrekic acid. This incident caused a wave of grief and shock across the nation, leading to three days of national mourning declared by President Armando Guebuza.

The Beer-Drinking Champ Tragedy:

In a rather unfortunate incident, a 45-year-old man met his demise after participating in a beer-drinking contest in Murcia, Spain. He consumed approximately 6-7 liters of beer in just 20 minutes and was declared the winner. However, shortly after his triumph, he started feeling sick, vomited, and lost consciousness. Despite the medical emergency response, the man succumbed to cardiac arrest. This incident brought to light the dangers of excessive beer consumption and the potential for hyperacute water intoxication, even in healthy individuals.

Beer poisoning incidents highlight the importance of brew hygiene and safe consumption practices. While beer is generally considered safe, contamination can occur at any stage of the brewing or serving process, leading to severe health consequences. It is crucial for brewers, distributors, and consumers to prioritize safety measures to ensure that beer remains a source of enjoyment rather than a cause for concern.

Alcohol-related liver cirrhosis

Cirrhosis is caused by heavy alcohol use, defined as consuming more alcohol than the liver can process. Over time, this causes damage to the liver, which may become permanent. The liver's function is to break down alcohol, filter waste from the body, produce bile to aid digestion, store sugar for energy, and make blood-clotting proteins.

The disease often occurs after years of heavy drinking, and the chances of developing it increase the longer a person has been drinking and the more alcohol they consume. It is most common in people aged 40-50, and men are more likely to develop the disease. However, women may develop the disease after less exposure to alcohol than men.

The symptoms of alcohol-associated cirrhosis include abdominal discomfort or pain, yellowing of the skin and eyes (jaundice), reduced blood flow through the liver (portal hypertension), gastrointestinal bleeding, fluid buildup in the abdomen (ascites), and increased infections.

Diagnosis of alcohol-associated liver disease involves a complete health history and physical exam, as well as blood tests, liver biopsy, ultrasound, CT scans, and MRI.

Treatment for alcohol-associated cirrhosis aims to restore normal liver function. This involves stopping alcohol consumption, participating in an alcohol use disorder treatment program, and making dietary changes. In some cases, a liver transplant may be necessary.

Alcohol intoxication

The term intoxication is often used when a large amount of alcohol is consumed, along with physical symptoms and negative health effects. Symptoms of intoxication at lower doses may include mild sedation and poor coordination. At higher doses, symptoms may include slurred speech, trouble walking, and vomiting. At extreme doses, it may result in respiratory depression, coma, or death. Other possible complications include seizures, aspiration pneumonia, low blood sugar, and injuries or self-harm, such as suicide.

In addition to respiratory failure and accidents caused by its effects on the central nervous system, alcohol causes significant metabolic derangements. Hypoglycaemia occurs due to ethanol's inhibition of gluconeogenesis, especially in children, and may cause lactic acidosis, ketoacidosis, and acute kidney injury. Metabolic acidosis is compounded by respiratory failure. Patients may also present with hypothermia.

Alcoholism and related organ failure

Alcoholism can lead to severe damage to multiple organs in the body. The liver is the primary target for the detrimental effects of alcohol, as it is the main site of ethanol metabolism. Alcohol consumption can cause acute and chronic liver disease, leading to inflammation, fibrosis, and cirrhosis. The pancreas can also be affected by alcohol, leading to acute or chronic pancreatitis, which can be life-threatening. Heavy drinking can cause damage to the heart, resulting in cardiomyopathy, atrial fibrillation, and congestive heart failure. Additionally, alcohol can contribute to gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) and increase the risk of stomach and esophageal cancer.

The kidneys are also vulnerable to the harmful effects of alcohol. Drinking alcohol can affect kidney function and make it more difficult for the kidneys to filter blood and maintain water balance in the body. This can lead to dehydration, high blood pressure, and an increased risk of kidney disease and failure. Alcohol consumption is also associated with an increased risk of lung damage and brain damage. Even a single episode of excessive drinking can have harmful effects on the body, and the risk of organ damage and failure increases with regular heavy drinking or binge drinking.

In addition to the direct effects of alcohol on the organs, alcoholism can also indirectly contribute to organ failure by affecting other body systems. For example, alcohol can intensify the progression of viral infections, autoimmune diseases, and cancer. It can also disrupt the balance of water and minerals in the body, leading to seizures or a severe drop in blood sugar. Alcohol-related organ damage is a serious and potentially life-threatening consequence of excessive alcohol consumption, and it is important to seek medical help and support if struggling with alcoholism.

Alcohol-related injuries

Types of Alcohol-Related Injuries

Unintentional injuries, on the other hand, include car accidents, falls, drownings, and burns. Unintentional injuries make up the majority of alcohol-related deaths, with 32% of all alcohol-related fatalities being unintentional, compared to 13.7% for intentional injuries.

Drunk Driving

Drunk driving is a serious issue that contributes to a significant number of deaths and injuries. Each day, 29 people lose their lives due to drunk driving, and a third of all traffic-related deaths involve alcohol. Drunk driving is the leading cause of death among teenagers. The risk of death is much higher in drunk driving incidents compared to other types of alcohol-related injuries due to the combination of mental impairment and risky behaviours associated with it.

Injuries at Home

A significant number of injuries in the home are also related to alcohol consumption. Between 22% and 30% of non-fatal injuries at home involve alcohol, and of those, 10% involve a blood alcohol level above the legal limit. Falls and burns are the most common types of injuries resulting from drinking at home. The likelihood of falling increases drastically when an individual is impaired beyond the legal limit.

Recreational Accidents

Alcohol is also a factor in many recreational accidents, particularly those involving water. In the United States, drowning is the third leading cause of accidental death, with an estimated 68% of those deaths involving alcohol consumption. Additionally, outdoor recreational activities such as boating often involve heavy drinking, increasing the risk of accidents and near-drownings.

Work-Related Injuries

Alcohol abuse has historically been associated with the service industry, but it can also lead to work-related injuries in various sectors, including construction, mining, and food service. The physical nature of these jobs increases the risk of injury when combined with alcohol consumption. Up to 16% of workplace injuries and 15% of job-related fatalities involve alcohol.

Preventing Alcohol-Related Injuries

While there is no safe level of alcohol consumption, individuals can take steps to reduce the likelihood of alcohol-related harm. This includes discussing alcohol use with a healthcare professional, choosing low or non-alcoholic alternatives, following drinking guidelines, eating before and while drinking, and having alcohol-free days. Additionally, it is important to plan ahead when drinking, such as sharing your plans with family or friends, ensuring your phone is charged, and organising a safe ride home.

Frequently asked questions