Nepalese, particularly form rural areas, have been migrating to countries like UAE, Qatar, Kuwait, Jordan, India to make their ends meet. However, sometimes this has turned into a nightmare for them and their families. Every year, a lot of labors with a history of frequent alcohol consumption have been found dead in their apartment, all of a sudden. Furthermore, this statistic is rising every year. What is the possible reason behind this ordeal?
Firstly, a multitude of biochemical reaction is taking place when an individual performs physical activities. Similarly, another set of biochemical reactionsare taking place when a person drinks alcohol. Normally, jobs where there is high physical demand or while working out (anaerobic) vigorously in gym, a substance called LACTIC ACID is produced in muscles(which also results in muscle cramping). Moreover, this substance then goes to blood stream where it is broken down by liver to another substance called Pyruvate . For this to happen, an enzyme called Lactate Dehydrogenase(LDH) and a co-enzyme called NAD(Nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide) is required. On the other hand, same co-enzyme NAD is required to break down(metabolize) alcohol by the liver.
When a person involved in vigorous work/ exercise consumes frequent alcohol for a longer period of time, there might be a shortage of co-enzyme NAD in the body as it is diverted to metabolize alcohol. As a result, there is accumulation of lactic acid in the body, which then results in LACTIC ACIDOSIS and hence resulting in harmful consequences and even death.
Symptoms of LACTIC ACIDOSIS includes Muscle ache, burning sensation, stomach discomfort, rapid breathing and can even lead to sudden death.
(Dr. Dahal is currently working in Hope Hospital. Former Medical officer at Shankarapur Hospital)
