Definition
The colloquial term “hangover” is generally used to describe the symptoms and complaints that occur after mild to severe alcohol poisoning. The hangover often describes subjective and unspecific symptoms of discomfort. The hangover is also not objectively measurable, as each person reacts differently to alcohol consumption and age also plays a major role in its development.
The typical symptoms of a hangover exist as long as the alcohol exists and they are mentioned again and again in history. However, the term “hangover” is derived from the other clinical picture “catarrh”. The symptoms after the consumption of alcohol can demonstrably last up to 3 days.
The remedies for a hangover are largely unexplored. However, there are various approaches with home remedies and drugs that are supposed to accelerate the breakdown of alcohol and relieve the symptoms. Their effectiveness has not been scientifically proven.
Causes
The cause of the hangover is primarily the alcohol. It triggers various processes in the body that can lead to the symptoms. Alcohol mainly affects the liver, stomach, brain and kidneys.
The main trigger for the headache is a dehydration of the body, i.e. a dehydration. Alcohol affects the hormone “ADH” (antidiuretic hormone), which is usually secreted in the brain and acts on the kidneys. As a rule, it causes the kidneys to reabsorb water from the urine.
If this mechanism fails to work, as is the case after alcohol, the body excretes much more water, which is why urine excretion also increases significantly. In addition, alcohol has an effect on the cerebellum, causing dizziness and gait insecurity, which can persist the next morning. Similar to most poisons and drugs, alcohol must also be broken down by the liver. This puts a strain on the liver and may also cause damage. When the alcohol is broken down, a chemical intermediate product is formed which, in addition to the dehydration, influences and destroys individual proteins.
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