Hangovers – Diagnosis and Treatment
Diagnosis
Most people can spot a hangover by its telltale signs after a night of drinking. You might wake up tired, nauseous, or with a pounding headache.
Sometimes, you’ll feel super thirsty, dizzy, or find bright lights and loud sounds almost unbearable. Some individuals notice they get cranky or have trouble concentrating.
Table: Common Hangover Signs
| Symptom | Description |
|---|---|
| Headache | Pain in the head or temples |
| Nausea | Upset stomach or urge to vomit |
| Fatigue | Tiredness or low energy |
| Thirst | Dry mouth, need to drink fluids |
| Dizziness | Feeling lightheaded |
Doctors don’t usually order tests for hangovers. The symptoms and recent drinking pretty much give it away.
If you keep having bad hangovers, especially after heavy drinking or certain kinds of booze, it could point to other issues. Sometimes, blood sugar drops, acetaldehyde builds up, or genetics mess with how your body breaks down alcohol.
If that sounds like you, maybe it’s time to chat with a doctor.
Treatment
Most hangovers fade with time, but you can do a few things to feel better. Staying hydrated is huge—seriously, drink water or some fruit juice. Alcohol dries you out, so fluids help a lot.
Don’t fall for the “hair of the dog” trick. More alcohol just drags it out and makes things worse.
Try eating something mild, like toast or crackers, to settle your stomach and bump up your blood sugar. Soups with salt and potassium, like bouillon, can help restore your electrolytes.
If your head is pounding, you might reach for aspirin or ibuprofen. Just be careful—these can irritate your stomach after drinking. And don’t mix acetaminophen and alcohol, since that’s rough on your liver.
Rest matters, too. Sleep gives your body a chance to bounce back. Some people swear by B vitamins or carbs for recovery, but honestly, results are all over the place.
| Step | Purpose |
|---|---|
| Drink fluids | Prevent dehydration and restore balance |
| Eat bland foods | Settle stomach, raise blood sugar |
| Rest | Support the body’s recovery |
| Take pain reliever* | Help with headache |
*Use pain relievers carefully after drinking.
Healthcare providers point out that staying hydrated and getting enough sleep are some of the best ways to handle a hangover.
Alternative Approaches
Plenty of people try different tricks to shake off a hangover. Ginger is a classic for nausea, and some folks take taurine supplements or even drink pickle juice (hey, don’t knock it till you try it).
Herbs like hovenia dulcis pop up in some remedies, too. But to be honest, studies don’t really back up these alternatives. Sometimes they help, sometimes not.
| Alternative Option | Main Use |
|---|---|
| Ginger | Relieve nausea |
| Taurine | Supplements |
| Pickle Juice | Rehydrate |
| Hovenia Dulcis | Herbal remedy |
If you’re thinking about trying any of these, it’s smart to talk to a healthcare professional first.
