What Causes Sickness After Consuming Alcohol?

Posted on Sun, 20 Mar 2016

Medically reviewed by Ask A Doctor - 24x7 Medical Review Team

Sun, 20 Mar 2016 Answered on

Tue, 24 May 2016 Last reviewed on

Question : Hey, im 19 years old and I used to be able to drink alcohol fine but recently ive gotten sick every time ive drank, any reason for that? Should i worry?

Answered by Dr. Robert Galamaga (58 minutes later)

may be related to liver dysfunction. please discuss with your doctor

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar

Follow up: Dr. Robert Galamaga (8 hours later)

Ive drank alcohol for a few years now and ive gotten sick here and there like any normal person has but recently ive gotten sick just about every time I drink.Is it an emergency? And this past saturday after drinking Some beer friday night I was sick all day and dehydrated. Couldnt get any food down, also ive had a sore throat and a cough for a few weeks now. And for months now ive noticed alot of noise coming from my digestive system. Today (sunday) i was feeling a little better and able to eat again. But my throats still sore and of course a lot of noise in my digestive system. Ive been to the doctors multiple times about my stomach making noise but they always tell me im completely fine

Answered by Dr. Robert Galamaga (7 hours later)

Brief Answer:
Considerations

Detailed Answer:
Hello and thank you for the question.

I don't think this is necessarily an emergency but I do think you should meet with your primary care physician for a focus consultation, physical examination and possibly some laboratory testing to make sure there is nothing going on.

You may have developed a sensitivity to alcohol in which case you should do your best to avoid consuming alcohol in the future. This might be the best decision for your body.

Also it is possible you might have some inflammation of your esophagus or stomach which may be contributing to some of the intestinal symptoms you describe. This might respond to a course of treatment. However before doing anything you should talk about this with your primary care physician.

For the time being again I would avoid alcohol consumption until you talk with your doctor and have further follow-up.

Thanks again for sending your question.

Sincerely,

Dr. Cgalamaga

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Deepak

Follow up: Dr. Robert Galamaga (9 hours later)

I have also been working in cable construction for over a year now and I am very light (115 lbs almost 20 years old) and i cant seem to gain muscle mass, especially so on my left arm and im left handed, ive always had a fast metabolism and figured i was just a little weaker than everyone because i didnt work out much, is my inability to gain weight related?

Answered by Dr. Robert Galamaga (11 minutes later)

Brief Answer:
Followup

Detailed Answer:
Probably not related but worth discussing with your primary care doctor.

Your doctor may recommend consultation with a nutritionist or dietary specialist to review your dietary habits.

Work on eating well balanced meals with adequate protein and carbohydrate as well as fat content with judicious exercise and your body composition should improve over time.

Sincerely,

Dr. Galamaga

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Naveen Kumar