Fact Checked
A hangover is a collection of signs and symptoms usually due to recent bout of heavy drinking. Generally, it is characterized by headaches, dizziness, feeling sick, sleepiness, thirst and confusion.
A hangover can happen at any time of the day, but usually common in the morning after a night of heavy drinking. Furthermore, the affected may experience high levels of anxiety, shame, regret, embarassment and depression.
Symptoms
- Headache
- Diziness
- Fatigue
- Increased thirst
- Bloodshot eyes or rash
A hangover can happen at any time of the day, but usually common in the morning after a night of heavy drinking. - Accelerated heartbeat
- Muscle and body aches
- Diarrhea
- Hypersalivation
- Flatulence
- Halitosis or bad breath
- Nausea
- Stomach pain
- Irritability
- Trembling or shakiness
- Erratic motor function
- Difficulty concentration
- Sensitivity to loud noises
- Moodiness
- Severe symptoms such as irregularity in the breathing rhythm, confusion or stupor and slowed breathing needs immediate treatment.
Causes
- Excessive consumption of alcohol
- Consumption of alcohol causes the body to produce plenty of urine and frequent urination can result to dehydration characterized by dizziness, thirst and lightheadedness
- The immune system produces symptoms such as difficulty in concentration, problems with memory, reduced appetite and loss of interest in regular activities.
- Alcohol causes irritation of the lining of the stomach and delays emptying and results to nausea, pain and vomiting.
- Low blood sugar level can result to weakness, fatigue, shakiness, moodiness and seizures.
- Alcohol causes the expansion of the blood vessels that result to headaches
- Makes a person sleepy but the quality of sleep is lessened and result to tiredness and grogginess.
Treatment of a hangover
- Rehydrate the body by drinking water throughout the day at least 8-10 glasses of water. Generally, the liquids will restore lost electrolytes and allow the stomach to settle.
- Eat bland foods such as crackers or bread that will help raise the blood sugar level.
- Take the prescribed over-the-counter pain medications such ibuprofen and aspirin to lessen the fever and pain. In addition, avoid taking acetaminophen to prevent damage to the liver.
- Take a rest or go back to sleep and be sure that there is water next to the bed.
- Take a vitamin B12 supplement for proper functioning of the nervous system and the brain. Furthermore, another alternative is consuming foods rich in vitamin B12 such as whole grain wheat, cold milk and citrus fruits such as oranges.
- Perform some light exercises such as a brisk walking, light jogging or swimming a few laps. Generally, exercise increases the ability of the body in metabolizing the alcohol consumed. When it is metabolized properly, hangover will settle.
- Take a shower or bath for fast elimination of alcohol from the body and makes the person feel better.
- Lastly, inhale steam from the hot shower to lessen the pain in the head. Hot water will relax an upset stomach.
FACT CHECK
https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/hangovers/diagnosis-treatment/drc-20373015