ABC Medical Center > Diseases > Hangovers

What is hangovers?

4 May 2021

They arise as a result of drinking a lot of alcohol the day before, causing general discomfort that includes thirst, fatigue, headache, muscle aches, nausea, anxiety, and dizziness, among other symptoms.

A hangover can happen to anyone regardless of the amount of alcohol they drink, but some are more prone to it because there is a genetic variation that affects how their body metabolizes alcohol in the blood, causing them to get sick after drinking just a glass.

Some conditions can facilitate the onset of a hangover, such as:

  • Drinking alcohol without having eaten anything.
  • Combining other drugs with alcohol.
  • Lack of sleep.
  • Drinking alcoholic beverages of a darker color.
  • Having close relatives with a history of alcoholism.

Signs and symptoms Hangovers

The symptoms depend on what you have consumed and the amount you have taken, but the following symptoms usually appear a day later:

  • Photosensitivity.
  • Low noise tolerance.
  • Weakness.
  • Exhaustion.
  • Headache.
  • Sore muscles.
  • Lack of focus.
  • Irritability.
  • Anxiety.
  • Poor sleep quality.
  • Stomachache.
  • Dizziness.
  • Nausea.
  • Vomit.
  • Excessive thirst.
  • Dry mouth.
  • Tachycardia.
  • Tremors.

Excess alcohol can cause intoxication, putting the person’s life at risk, so if you notice that someone has the following symptoms, it is essential to take them to the ABC Medical Center Emergency Room so that they receive immediate medical attention:

  • Pale or blue skin.
  • Confusion.
  • Seizures.
  • Loss of consciousness.
  • Slow or irregular breathing.
  • Hypothermia.
  • Vomit.

Potential risks:

Hangovers, especially if they are frequent, alter biological functions of the body, such as:

  • Sudden drop in blood sugar.
  • Permanent tiredness.
  • Dilation of the blood vessels.
  • Lack of appetite.
  • Stomach irritation
  • Frequent urination, which can lead to dehydration.
  • Dexterity issues.
  • Memory disorders.

However, hangovers can also affect your personal and professional life through:

  • Work absenteeism.
  • Personal and work related conflicts.
  • Poor performance at school or work.
  • Apathy and disinterest in daily activities.
  • Sleeping in inappropriate places.

Diagnosis and treatment Hangovers

To cure a hangover only time and rest are required, as long as it does not produce serious effects that require hospitalization, as well as:

  • Drinking enough water to avoid becoming dehydrated.
  • Eating soft foods to raise blood sugar levels and replenish lost electrolytes.
  • Getting enough sleep.
  • Taking some pain reliever.

At the ABC Medical Center Internal Medicine Department we offer health care services with the highest quality and safety, from prevention, diagnosis, timely treatment, and monitoring of infectious, respiratory, endocrinological, dermatological, rheumatic, nephrological, gastrointestinal, and hematological pathologies, of chronic-degenerative diseases and acute conditions, through a comprehensive and multidisciplinary model.

Related centers and departments Hangovers

Internal medicine
High Specialty Surgery Center
Radiology and Molecular Imaging
Clinical Laboratory

Fuentes:

  • niaaa.nih.gov
  • mayoclinic.org
  • medlinesplus.gov
  • aarp.org
  • topdoctors.es
  • cun.es
  • medigraphic.com

How can we help you?

    The dissemination of the content of this material is for informational purposes only and does not replace, under any circumstance or condition, a consultation with a specialist doctor, for which the ABC Medical Center is not responsible for the different use that may be given to it. If you require more information related to the subject, we suggest you contact the specialist doctor you trust directly.