What should I do if my whole body aches after drinking alcohol?
Nov 18, 2022
Source: Cainiu Health
Dr. Yang Ziqi
Introduction
The management of generalized body aches after drinking alcohol depends on the underlying cause, which may commonly include excessive alcohol consumption, physical injury, alcohol poisoning, hepatitis, or gouty arthritis. It is recommended to seek timely medical evaluation, undergo relevant examinations, and receive standardized treatment under a doctor's guidance once the diagnosis is confirmed. Alcohol should be avoided during treatment to prevent worsening of symptoms and to facilitate recovery.
The management of全身 muscle aches after drinking alcohol depends on the underlying cause, which may commonly include excessive alcohol consumption, trauma, alcohol poisoning, hepatitis, or gouty arthritis.
1. Excessive Alcohol Consumption
Muscle soreness may occur due to consuming too much alcohol at one time, overwhelming the body's ability to metabolize it fully. Symptoms usually resolve gradually with increased water intake and do not require special treatment.
2. Trauma
Muscle injury from accidental falls or impacts while under the influence of alcohol can lead to generalized body aches, possibly accompanied by pain and swelling. Applying a warm towel for heat compress may help improve blood circulation. For severe symptoms, medications such as diosmin tablets, venoruton tablets, or sanqi tablets may be used under medical guidance to promote blood circulation and remove blood stasis.
3. Alcohol Poisoning
Alcohol poisoning may impair nerve and muscle function, causing muscle aches along with nausea, vomiting, and other discomforts. Under medical supervision, medications such as naloxone hydrochloride injection, nalmefene hydrochloride injection, or metadoxine capsules may be administered to accelerate alcohol metabolism.
4. Hepatitis
In patients with pre-existing hepatitis, alcohol intake increases the liver's metabolic burden and may irritate surrounding nerves, leading to muscle pain, possibly accompanied by bloating and nausea. Under a doctor’s guidance, hepatoprotective medications such as compound glycyrrhizin tablets, silymarin capsules, or bicyclol tablets may be used.
5. Gouty Arthritis
Elevated uric acid levels in patients can rise further after drinking, increasing purine breakdown and uric acid production. This promotes the deposition of uric acid crystals in joints, irritating joint tissues and surrounding structures, resulting in pain, swelling, and restricted movement. Under medical advice, medications such as bromhexinate tablets (benzbromarone), febuxostat tablets, or allopurinol tablets may be prescribed to lower uric acid levels.
It is recommended to seek timely medical evaluation, undergo appropriate diagnostic tests, and receive standardized treatment under professional guidance. Avoid alcohol consumption during treatment to prevent worsening symptoms and interference with recovery.
