Hangover

Symptoms Of Hangover

Symptoms of a hangover typically begin several hours after drinking alcohol and can vary from person to person. Common symptoms of a hangover typically include:

• Headache

• Nausea 

• Vomiting

• Sweating

• Dehydration

• Fatigue

• Sensitivity to light and sound

• Muscle aches

• Cognitive impairment (decline in mental abilities such as memory, attention, and problem-solving)

• Anxiety

• Depression

• Vertigo

• Shakiness

• Tremors

• Rapid heart rate

• Irritability

Causes Of Hangover

The primary cause of a hangover is the consumption of alcohol. The severity of hangover symptoms is influenced by various risk factors which are discussed in the next section.

Risk Factors For Hangover

Several risk factors can increase the likelihood and severity of a hangover. They include:

1. Amount and type of alcohol

People who drank more than 106 grams of alcohol per week suffer more from hangovers than the person who drank less. Drinks with higher congeners tend to produce more severe symptoms. These include dark liquors like whiskey, brandy, and red wine.

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2. Building up of acetaldehyde

Alcohol is converted into acetaldehyde which contributes to several symptoms of hangover.

3. Increased urination

Alcohol increases urination, which leads to dehydration and symptoms of hangover.

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4. Electrolyte imbalance

The intake of excessive alcohol can lead to deficiencies in essential minerals like potassium and magnesium leading to a hangover.

5. Gastrointestinal irritation

Alcohol irritates the stomach lining, leading to nausea, vomiting, and gastritis, which are the symptoms of a hangover.

 Note: This is usually observed when drinks with more than 15% alcohol are consumed.

6. Vasodilation and vasoconstriction

Alcohol can cause blood vessels in the body to expand (vasodilation) and then contract (vasoconstriction) rapidly, contributing to a hangover.

7. Blood sugar fluctuations

Alcohol can cause a spike in blood sugar, followed by a drop in levels, leading to symptoms associated with a hangover. People with diabetes are more prone to these fluctuations.

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8. Medications

The classes of prescription medications that can interact with alcohol include:

• Antibiotics
• Antidepressants
• Antihistamines
• Muscle relaxants
  
  

9. Other factors

• Stress and anxiety
• Smoking
• Lack of sleep
• Dehydration
• Taking alcohol on an empty stomach
• Mixing alcohol with caffeine
• Individuals with personality traits like anger, and defensiveness
• Family history of alcoholism

Diagnosis Of Hangover

Diagnosing a hangover is typically straightforward and does not usually require medical intervention. It is primarily based on the presence of specific symptoms and a history of recent alcohol consumption. Doctors can diagnose a hangover by:

1. Assessing symptoms    

• The most common method of diagnosing a hangover is by evaluating the symptoms reported by the individual

• These symptoms often include headache, nausea, fatigue, sensitivity to light and sound, dehydration, and cognitive impairment.
  
  

2. Clinical examination

Sometimes, your doctor may perform physical tests to rule out other medical conditions and evaluate the severity of symptoms. They may also ask about your: 

• Medical history

• Health conditions

• Use of medications

• Amount of alcohol taken

• Type of alcohol taken

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Prevention Of Hangover

Preventing hangovers is essentially a matter of responsible drinking and taking steps to reduce the adverse effects of alcohol on your body. Here are a few strategies that can significantly reduce its severity or even prevent it:

1. Stay hydrated

To help counteract electrolyte imbalances, drink an adequate amount of water and electrolytes, such as sports drinks, or consume foods rich in potassium and magnesium, like bananas or leafy greens.

2. Choose your drink wisely

Opt for drinks with lower alcohol content or lower congener content to avoid hangovers.

3. Eat before drinking

Have a substantial meal before drinking to slow down alcohol absorption and minimize irritation to the stomach lining.

4. Take breaks

Avoid rapid consumption of alcohol. Drink slowly and spread your drinks over a more extended period to give your body time to metabolize the alcohol.

5. Avoid mixing

Refrain from mixing different types of alcohol, as this can increase the risk of a hangover. Stick to one kind of drink on the go.

6. Know your body

Be aware of your tolerance level. If you find that you are more susceptible to hangovers, drink less and take steps to mitigate their effects.

7. Get enough sleep

Alcohol can disrupt sleep patterns, which can exacerbate hangover symptoms. Ensure you get adequate rest before and after drinking alcohol.

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Specialist To Visit 

Hangovers are common and can usually be managed at home with rest, hydration, and time. However, if symptoms are severe or persistent, it may be necessary to seek medical advice. 

You can consult the following specialist depending on the clinical symptoms:

• General Physician

• Internal medicine specialist 

• Gastroenterologist

• Addiction specialist

• Nutritionist

A general physician will examine your symptoms and initiate treatment.

In severe cases, they may refer you to an internal medicine specialist who provides comprehensive care in managing complex cases and addressing underlying health conditions.

A gastroenterologist can also be consulted, as they have expertise in diagnosing and treating stomach issues related to hangovers.

If you're concerned about your drinking habits, consider consulting an addiction specialist.

Lastly, a nutritionist or dietitian can help with dietary choices to prevent or alleviate hangover symptoms.

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Treatment Of Hangover

The best approach is prevention through avoiding alcohol altogether. Time is the most critical component in managing the condition, as most of the symptoms subside within 8 to 24 hours of drinking. 

1. Conservative management

• Eating fruits, drinking fruit juices, or having fructose-containing foods can lessen the severity of hangovers.

• Bland foods like toast or crackers with complex carbohydrates help counter low blood sugar levels and relieve nausea.

• Your well-being is our priority. Ensure you get enough sleep to alleviate fatigue caused by sleep deprivation. Drinking nonalcoholic beverages during and after alcohol consumption may reduce dehydration caused by alcohol.
  
  

2. Medications

• Over-the-counter antacids can manage nausea, vomiting, or gastritis.
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• Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDS) such as Aspirin, Ibuprofen, and Naproxen can help manage headache and muscle aches.

• Antihypertensive medications such as Propranolol are recommended for high blood pressure.

• Antiemetics like Ondansetron and tropisetron can control nausea and vomiting.

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Complications Of Hangover

While hangovers are typically short-lived and self-limiting, they can lead to various complications and health risks, especially if they are severe or frequent. They include:

• Cognitive impairment: Hangovers can lead to poor concentration, memory problems, and difficulty making decisions. 

• Accidents and Injuries: Cognitive impairment can increase the risk of accidents and injuries, including motor vehicle accidents, falls, and other mishaps.

• Impact on mental health: Hangovers can be accompanied by feelings of anxiety, depression, and irritability. 

• Interference with responsibilities: Severe hangovers can interfere with work, school, and personal responsibilities, potentially leading to job or academic problems, absenteeism, or strained relationships.

• Alcohol dependence: Frequent hangovers may normalize excessive alcohol consumption, leading to alcohol dependence or addiction over time. 

Note: The CDC recommends that women should have no more than one alcoholic drink per day, while men should have no more than two drinks per day.

Home-care For Hangover

Hangovers can be a hassle and disrupt your daily routine. Here are some tips on how to manage your day while dealing with a hangover:

1.Avoid alcohol and caffeine

Refrain from consuming more alcohol, as it can worsen your condition. Additionally, avoid caffeine, as it can exacerbate dehydration and anxiety.

2. Try gentle exercises

A short, gentle walk or light stretching can help improve blood circulation and reduce feelings of lethargy. Avoid strenuous exercise, as it can exacerbate dehydration.

3. Do relaxation techniques

Relaxation techniques like deep breathing exercises, meditation, or taking a warm bath can help reduce stress and promote a sense of calm.

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4. Use sunglasses and dim lights

If you're sensitive to light and sound, wear sunglasses and keep the lights dim to reduce discomfort.

5. Plan ahead

If you have responsibilities or commitments, consider rescheduling or delegating tasks. It's essential to prioritize your well-being while recovering from a hangover.

6. Stay in a cool environment

Hangovers can sometimes cause feelings of heat or sweating. Keeping your environment cool and comfortable can help ease these sensations.

7. Stay calm

Try not to become overly anxious or stressed about your hangover. Stress can exacerbate symptoms, so remaining as relaxed as possible is essential.

Here are some common home remedies that can quickly recover from hangover:

1. Lemon (Nimbu): Lemons may help with hangover relief by providing hydration, vitamin C, liver support, and an electrolyte-balancing effect.

How to consume it?

Make lemonade with lemon juice, sugar, and salt to hydrate your body and replenish electrolytes.

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2. Coconut (Nariyal): It is an excellent great option for replenishing electrolytes and restoring balance after becoming dehydrated from drinking alcohol. 

How to consume it?

There's no specific recommended amount of coconut water for a hangover, but drink it in moderation alongside water.

3. Ginger (Adrak): Raw ginger can relieve nausea, dizziness, and stomach discomfort caused by hangovers. 

How to consume it? 

Consume ginger for hangover relief through options like ginger tea, ale, supplements, raw ginger, or infused water,

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4. Peppermint (Pudina): It has carminative properties that can help relieve gas buildup in the stomach and intestines related to hangovers.

How to consume it?

It's as simple as enjoying a cup of tea or chewing the leaves. This easy step can help relax and soothe your digestive system, providing relief from hangover symptoms. 

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Alternative Therapies For Hangover

Alternative therapies may relieve hangover symptoms, but individual responses vary, and their effectiveness is not universally proven. Some of them include:

1. Chinese herbal medicine

Herbal remedies, known for their antioxidant properties, have demonstrated potential in alleviating hangover symptoms by countering alcohol's harmful effects. Also, Chinese herbs and Asian ginseng have shown promising results in reducing alcohol levels, relieving hangover symptoms, and restoring liver function through antioxidant and anti-inflammatory actions.

2. Acupressure

It is an ancient practice that may be beneficial for alleviating hangover-related headaches and nausea. Applying pressure to specific points on the body can help release tension and improve blood circulation.