Hangover

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A hangover is comprised of unpleasant symptoms that develop after drinking too much alcohol. The affected person will experience headaches, dizziness, lethargy, feeling sick, confusion and thirst. Hangovers can happen anytime of the day but it is usually common in the morning. The severity of a hangover will depend on the amount of alcohol that is consumed and amount of sleep. When there is less sleep, the hangover becomes worse.

Symptoms

  • Poor or decreased sleep
  • Fatigue and weakness
  • Thirst
    Hangover
    The affected person will experience headaches, dizziness, lethargy, feeling sick, confusion and thirst.
  • Nausea, stomach pain and vomiting
  • Inability to concentrate
  • Dizziness or sensation that the room is spinning
  • Sensitivity to light and sound
  • Shakiness
  • Mood disturbances such as depression, anxiety and irritability
  • Fast heartbeat

Once the symptoms becomes severe such as confusion, low body temperature, difficulty staying conscious, color of the skin becomes bluish or pale, irregular breathing and seizures, it is vital to seek medical help immediately.

Causes

  • Drinking alcohol makes a person urinate more and cause dehydration which can be indicated by thirst, lightheadedness and dizziness.
  • Alcohol causes an inflammatory response from the immune system such as inability to concentrate, memory problems, loss of appetite and losing interest in certain activities.
  • Alcohol causes irritation of the lining of the stomach and results to abdominal pain, nausea and vomiting.
  • Alcohol causes the level of blood sugar to become low and the affected person experiences fatigue, shakiness, weakness and seizures.
  • Alcohol causes the vessels of blood to expand and results to headaches.
  • Alcohol can make a person sleepy, tired and shaky.

Treatment

  • A hangover causes the body to become severely dehydrated. Drink plenty of water to help minimize dizziness, headaches, lightheadedness and especially when there is vomiting. Drink coconut water or sports drinks which are both rich in electrolytes. Avoid coffee or caffeinated teas to prevent making the condition worse. If feeling nauseated, drink ginger ale to calm the stomach.
  • Take the prescribed pain medication such as aspirin or ibuprofen to lessen the headaches
  • Eat crackers, toast or mild-flavored carbohydrates to help lessen nausea and eliminate the alcohol in the system. Avoid spicy or acidic foods they are difficult to digest.
  • Avoid drinking alcohol to treat a hangover since it can make the person even more dehydrated.
  • Drink ginger tea to lessen the sensation nausea caused by a hangover and motion sickness. Cut up few pieces of ginger root and boil it.
  • Drink boiled water mixed with honey and lemon to replenish vitamins that are needed by the body while honey helps balance the blood sugar level of the body.

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