Ask a doctor on the topic of General medicine

Long-term effects of alcohol poisoning

April 29, 2018 | 30,00 EUR | answered by Christian Welsch

On Friday at a party, I drank myself into alcohol poisoning and ended up in the hospital. There, I vomited coffee ground-like substance. However, only once. The examination revealed no tenderness, a soft abdomen, and normal bowel sounds in all 4 quadrants. Throughout the morning and forenoon, I suffered from severe heartburn repeatedly and had prolonged hiccups several times. Now I have noticed that I have tar-like stool and am concerned. I still have no pain, just a slightly strange feeling when swallowing. Should I go to the hospital or see my primary care physician on Monday? In the hospital, I was given Pantoprazole. I have Omeprazole 20 and 40mg at home. Should I take it? If so, what dosage and at what intervals?

Christian Welsch

Dear inquirer, whether you should be concerned depends on your age and how long, how often, and how regularly you drink. It is likely that Dr. Google has shown you liver cirrhosis and esophageal variceal bleeding, which only occur in the advanced stages of alcoholism. Take 3x 20 omep, drink plenty of still water, and see a doctor if the symptoms persist. In my experience, what laypeople mistake for black stool and coffee ground vomit often is not. If it persists, a cause in the stomach is likely and then you will need an endoscopy. Best regards, Welsch