Can you drink alcohol when you have inflammation?
Nov 21, 2022
Source: Cainiu Health
Dr. Yang Shuwen
Introduction
In general, alcohol should not be consumed when there is inflammation, as drinking may worsen the condition and impair recovery. Inflammation is commonly associated with infectious diseases, possibly caused by biological agents such as bacteria or viruses. It includes skin inflammatory responses, respiratory tract inflammation, bronchial inflammation, and others. Alcohol consumption is typically not recommended when there is inflammation in the body.
Generally, alcohol consumption is not recommended during inflammation, as drinking may worsen the condition and impair recovery.
Inflammation is commonly associated with infectious diseases, often caused by pathogens such as bacteria or viruses. It can manifest as skin inflammatory reactions, respiratory tract inflammation, bronchial inflammation, and others. Alcohol should typically be avoided when there is inflammation in the body. Alcohol has numbing and irritating properties; during an inflammatory episode, drinking may accelerate blood circulation. For example, in cases of gastroenteritis, alcohol could damage the gastric mucosa. In skin inflammation, drinking may irritate wounds and hinder healing, potentially exacerbating inflammatory symptoms.
To manage inflammation, alcohol should be avoided as much as possible. Treatment should be symptom-based and conducted under medical guidance. For instance, gastroenteritis may be treated with medications such as omeprazole enteric-coated capsules, amoxicillin enteric-coated capsules, colloidal bismuth pectin capsules, or domperidone tablets, as prescribed. Skin inflammation may be treated with topical medications such as mometasone furoate cream or erythromycin ointment, as directed by a healthcare provider.
