Physical Examination for Intoxication or Signs of Harmful Use of Alcohol
Certain physical disorders or signs can act be indicative of harmful alcohol use or intoxication. Conditions such as cirrhosis of the liver and pancreatitis are commonly alcohol-induced. Some physical signs that may be indicative of intoxication, harmful alcohol use, or withdrawal are listed below.
While the ‘listen’ physical signs can be indicative of alcohol misuse, it should be noted that they are not conclusive, nor does their absence rule out the existence of hazardous alcohol consumption.
| Common features present during physical examination |
| Smell of alcohol on breath |
| Facial flushing, telangiectasia, periorbital oedema, parotid swelling |
| Poor self-care, malnourishment, vitamin deficiency |
| Pallor, fever, flushing |
| Hypertension |
| Bruises of different ages |
| Conjunctival injection |
| Sweating (alcohol withdrawal) |
| Tremors (alcohol withdrawal) |
| Jaundice (alcohol-related liver disease) |
Source: Saunders et al. (2016). Addiction Medicine. Chapter 5.
Patients presenting with such problems should be screened for alcohol use, and if appropriate, proceed to a more comprehensive assessment.