Could Your “Hangover” Be Something More Dangerous?

Could Your "Hangover" Be Something More Dangerous?

Many associate nausea, headaches, and fatigue after drinking with a hangover. But, experts warn these symptoms could signal something more severe, such as alcohol intolerance or even an alcohol allergy.

Dr Raj Dasgupta, an internal medicine specialist based in California, explains that while hangovers are common, they stem from alcohol overwhelming the body, leading to dehydration, electrolyte imbalances, and inflammation. “A hangover is your body struggling to process the alcohol you’ve consumed,” he adds.

However, alcohol intolerance is different and significantly concerning. Triggered by enzyme deficiencies, individuals with intolerance cannot properly break down alcohol. Symptoms like facial flushing, nausea, and a racing heartbeat can appear minutes after drinking, indicating a physiological inability to handle alcohol.

Worse still is the rare but grave alcohol allergy, where the immune system reacts to ingredients in alcoholic drinks, such as barley or yeast. Symptoms including hives, swelling, stomach pain, or even life-threatening anaphylaxis can emerge almost immediately after consumption. Such reactions demand urgent medical attention.

Even if no severe symptoms show up, alcohol poses undeniable risks to physical health. While many advocate moderation, these potentially dangerous conditions highlight the serious consequences of alcohol consumption, calling for greater awareness and reconsideration of its role in daily life.

Source: Fox News

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