Page 18 - (DK) Home Doctor: Providing practical advice on home treatments

16 COMMON CONDITIONS: GENERAL SYMPTOMS

Hangover

A hangover is usually the result of drinking too much alcohol, but some people have symptoms after just
a small amount of alcohol. The cause is a combination of the dehydrating effects of alcohol and adverse
reactions to chemical compounds or additives in drinks, particularly dark-colored drinks such as red wine,
port, brandy, and sherry. You may have a headache, nausea, dizziness, a dry mouth, and a raging thirst,
which may disturb your sleep at night. Most people recover rapidly with some self-help measures.

See also Headache, p.85; Nausea and vomiting, p.109.

What you can do yourself
NATURAL REMEDIES
If you know you have drunk too much, take the
following steps immediately to minimize a hangover. Fructose is a natural sugar
Most symptoms clear up within 24 hours. that can help the body to burn up
alcohol faster. Plenty of fruit, juices,
● Drink plenty of nonalcoholic fluids before going
and honey will help you recover
to bed and the next morning to reduce dehydration. from a hangover.
Have a glass of water by your bed, and take sips
if you wake up in the night. Fruit juices, which
Source of fructose
contain the natural sugar fructose, are particularly
Eat an orange or drink
helpful (see NATURAL REMEDIES, right). Don’t drink
some freshly squeezed
tea or coffee because they irritate the stomach
juice to speed recovery.
and increase dehydration.
● Eat if you can. Even a banana will help boost
low blood sugar levels.
DRUG REMEDIES
● Take an analgesic to help prevent or relieve
a headache (see DRUG REMEDIES, right).
Analgesics such as ibuprofen (see p.185)
● An antacid will help reduce nausea (see DRUG or acetaminophen (see p.177) will help relieve a
REMEDIES, right). headache. Taking ibuprofen before you go to sleep may
actually prevent some of the symptoms of a hangover
● Don’t drink more alcohol to reduce your
(although it may worsen any stomach irritation).
symptoms; this will only prolong the hangover.
Antacids (see p.177) work by neutralizing
● Rest until you begin to feel better. stomach acids that contribute to nausea and
indigestion. Antacids come in soothing liquids,
● Don’t drive. Alcohol remains in the bloodstream carbonated drinks, and hard or chewable pills
for long periods, so your reflexes may still be (chewing well before swallowing will allow them
impaired the day after you have been drinking. to work faster and increase their effectiveness).

Seek medical advice
PREVENTION
Arrange to see your doctor if:
● You have regular hangovers and are finding Avoiding a hangover If you know you
it hard to reduce your drinking are going to drink alcohol, try the following steps.
● You feel the need to drink alcohol first thing ● Eat a meal before you start drinking.
in the morning ● Alternate between alcoholic and soft drinks.