Why does drinking beer cause diarrhea and how to treat it?
Disease description:
I went out with friends last night and ate spicy crayfish and drank beer. This morning I woke up with some diarrhea. I took some medication, but it hasn't improved. Why does drinking beer cause diarrhea, and how should it be treated?
Doctor's answer (1)
Dr. Shen Yonghua
Diarrhea after drinking beer may be caused by multiple factors. It could be due to irritation of the gastric mucosa or intestines by beer, leading to diarrhea, which may be accompanied by abdominal pain. Poor-quality or spoiled beer may also cause diarrhea. Additionally, factors such as alcohol allergy, irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), or acute gastroenteritis might be potential triggers. Regarding treatment, it is advisable to reduce or avoid beer consumption, especially chilled beer. For diarrhea caused by alcohol allergy or acute gastroenteritis, antiallergic or anti-inflammatory medications may be used under a doctor's guidance. It is also important to maintain a light diet, avoid spicy or irritating foods, and drink plenty of warm water to promote alcohol metabolism. If symptoms persist or worsen, prompt medical attention is recommended.
