Hangover

Christopher Hobbs:

“Hangover refers to an unpleasant set of symptoms, including headache, upset stomach, and dry mouth, that sometimes occur following excess alcohol consumption.”

Etiologic Factors Leading to Hangovers:
Hangovers occur primarily due to the body’s response to alcohol consumption. Key factors include:

1. Dehydration: Alcohol is a diuretic, causing increased urine output and dehydration.
2. Electrolyte Imbalance: Excessive alcohol disrupts electrolyte levels.
3. Toxin Build-Up: Alcohol metabolism produces acetaldehyde, a toxic compound.
4. Gastrointestinal Irritation: Alcohol irritates the stomach lining, causing nausea and discomfort.
5. Sleep Disruption: Alcohol interferes with restorative sleep, leading to fatigue.
6. Congeners: Darker liquors (e.g., whiskey, red wine) contain more congeners, byproducts of fermentation that can worsen hangover symptoms.

When to Seek Professional Help:
While most hangovers resolve on their own, professional help should be sought if:

• Symptoms include severe dehydration (e.g., confusion, inability to keep fluids down).
• There are signs of alcohol poisoning (e.g., vomiting, seizures, slow breathing, or unresponsiveness).
• The hangover is accompanied by chest pain or shortness of breath, which could indicate other health concerns.
• There’s a pattern of frequent, severe hangovers or excessive alcohol use, which may point to alcohol use disorder.