Helpful Tips When Dealing with a Hangover
Some witty person once defined a hangover as “the wrath of grapes.” It is a non-medical term that refers to the assortment of disagreeable effects following excessive consumption of alcohol. The clinical term is “Veisalgia” and its symptoms may include headache, fatigue, nausea, vomiting and difficulty in concentrating. Hangover treatment options are valuable to know especially while experiencing discomfort.
Why does excessive alcohol lead to a hangover? Alcohol has a diuretic effect, which causes your body to eliminate more urine and this can lead to dehydration. Alcohol also leads to a drop in your blood sugar level which will cause you to feel tired, become irritated and generally lousy. Headaches are the result of vascular dilation brought on by alcohol consumption which also irritates your stomach lining and often results in nausea, vomiting and occasional stomach cramps.
Solutions to Help Patients Feel Better with a Hangover
Most symptoms of an uncomplicated hangover will diminish with time. But in the meanwhile, here is a list of options a hangover sufferer can do to feel better:
- Mild hangovers may be treated with oral rehydration by drinking water or electrolyte drinks such as Gatorade® and Pedialyte®. More severe hangovers may need to be treated with an intravenous fluid.
- Avoid the “hair of the dog that bit you.” Drinking more alcohol will only make you feel more miserable.
- Avoid fatty and spicy foods. You may need to follow a clear liquids or a BRAT (banana, rice, applesauce, toast) diet for the first 24 hours.
Patients who regularly drink alcohol to excess and then treat their hangovers with acetaminophen (i.e. Tylenol®), may encounter severe liver damage — even in doses once thought to be safe.
There are many home remedies and alternative hangover cures that have been passed around and written about. No such “natural” remedies, however, have been scientifically found to actually improve hangover symptoms.
As a member of the Weisz Concierge Medical practice, Dr. Weisz will be able to examine you quickly and make a determination if your hangover is more severe and requiring immediate medical attention. Also, if you or a family member find that alcohol abuse is becoming a recurring concern, Dr. Weisz is ready to provide preventive counsel and guidance.
