Hangover symptoms, including nausea, vomiting, thirst, and headaches, are caused by alcohol’s effects on the body, such as increased stomach acid and dehydration. Women tend to experience symptoms after three to five drinks, while men may be able to consume more. Severe symptoms may indicate alcohol poisoning and require medical attention. To prevent a hangover, eat before drinking, limit drinks to one per hour, and drink water throughout the evening. Chronic hangover sufferers should consider not drinking and seeking medical help.
Those who drink too much may find themselves suffering from hangover symptoms the next day. While any amount of alcohol can cause a hangover, the severity often depends on an individual’s body composition and ability to process alcohol. Symptoms of a hangover include nausea, vomiting, thirst and a variety of other negative side effects related to alcohol consumption.
Men and women process alcohol at different rates. Women tend to experience hangover symptoms after consuming more than three to five drinks, while men may be able to consume more than five drinks before experiencing a hangover. Other factors include how quickly drinks are consumed and how much a person had to eat before drinking.
While drinking, a person’s body reacts in different ways. Alcohol increases the production of stomach acid, increases urination and leads to a drop in blood sugar. These processes cause decreased appetite, dehydration and tremors. Another reaction caused by alcohol consumption includes the expansion of blood vessels.
These reactions can result in some of the more common hangover symptoms. An increase in stomach acid can lead to nausea and vomiting. Excessive thirst is the result of dehydration caused by alcohol consumption. Expanding blood vessels can stimulate another common hangover symptom, headaches.
Symptoms in addition to the typical hangover symptoms mentioned need medical attention. Severe symptoms such as seizures, irregular breathing, and fainting indicate the possibility of alcohol poisoning. Other signs of alcohol poisoning include pale skin, confusion, and persistent vomiting. Each of these symptoms signals the need to call for emergency help, as they indicate a life-threatening emergency.
In addition to allowing time for hangover symptoms to pass, hangover sufferers can take some steps to reduce or ease the symptoms associated with a hangover. This includes sipping water or juice to ward off dehydration. Other options include a light snack, such as crackers, and taking an over-the-counter pain reliever for headache relief.
Preventing a hangover in the first place is the best option. Eat a meal before heading out for the night, and snack often to help absorb the alcohol. Keep drinks to a maximum of one per hour and drink alcoholic beverages without heavy flavors and colorings. Keep the same type of drink all night and drink water throughout the evening.
The effects of a hangover can extend far beyond the physical symptoms. A hangover can also interfere with work, memory, and the ability to make sound judgments. Those who habitually suffer from hangovers should consider not drinking and seek the help of a qualified physician.
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