Tips To Manage and Avoid a Hangover

Bursting headaches, dizziness, sickness and dehydration are the consequences many binge drinkers face. They are the signs of hangover and can be managed with effective tips mentioned in this article.

Alcohol has diuretic properties, which means it eliminates fluids or water from the body. Hence, people who indulge in binge drinking are prone to dehydration. And dehydration is the main reason why people develop the symptoms of hangover.
Alcohol also causes stomach upset, which can lead to poor sleep. You still have some amount of alcohol in your body the next morning, causing hangover signs and symptoms. There is no cure to hangover. The best way to prevent a hangover is avoid drinking. However, if you decide to have drink, limit the intake, drink slowly with food and drink plenty of water.

Managing a hangover

Usually, you may get up in the morning feeling extremely terrible after binge drinking. You should know that there is no cure for a hangover; however, there are few ways to subside the symptoms.

First and foremost, rehydrate your body by drinking plenty of water. Most symptoms of hangover subside simply by rehydrating the body. If you have muscles cramps and headache, over-the-counter painkillers are useful. Experts often prefer headache painkiller Paracetamol instead of Aspirin, as the latter can cause gastric irritation, aggravating hangover symptoms. An antacid may be helpful in settling upset stomach.

Preventing a hangover

1. Remember, moderation is the key, know your limits and have your drink accordingly.
2. Never drink alcohol on an empty stomach. Make sure you have a light meal that includes carbs and fats; this is will help reduce alcohol absorption.
3. Do not have dark-coloured alcoholic beverages if you are sensitive to them, as they contain chemicals that may irritate your arteries and brain tissues, making a hangover severe.
4. Drink water or non-frizzy drinks alternatively with each alcohol drink. Do not drink carbonated drinks, as they increase the rate of absorption of alcohol.
5. Before going to sleep, drink a glass full of water to nullify the effect of alcohol.

Do not drink alcohol on a hangover; this will aggravate your symptoms. Experts advise you to stay away from alcohol for at least 48 hours of binge drinking.

Health Advice For Those Who Travel To Zika Affected Region

Zika is an infectious condition transmitted by mosquitoes. 80% of people infected by this virus are asymptomatic. In affected subjects, the signs and symptoms are mild fever, muscle and joint pain, conjunctivitis and generalised weakness.

Zika infection poses a great threat if you are planning to conceive or already pregnant, as it can have a serious complication on the foetus, potentially causing deformities and birth defects.

According to the investigation of U.N. Health Agency, three cases of Zika infection have been discovered in Guinea Bissau. The national authorities are trying to find out whether the virus of same strain that has affected people in Brazil and other regions.

Here are few effective tips for those who travel to Zika prone regions:

• Apply insect repellent – Apply an insect repellent during the day. Choose one that is high in DEET, Picardin or PMD concentration. If outdoors, you can apply sunscreen prior to repellent application. Go through PHE’s guidance for mosquito bite avoidance. Reapply insect repellent as instructed.  
• Cover your body – Wear loose-fitting clothes and cover you entire body. Additionally, wear hand gloves and socks.
• Take steps to get rid of mosquitoes in the surroundings
• Use mosquito bed net at night

If you experience signs and symptoms, seek medical attention at the earliest. The symptoms usually last for 2 to 7 days. There is no specific treatment or vaccine to cure this condition. Symptomatic treatment can bring relief, such as –

• Get adequate rest
• Drink plenty of water to avoid dehydration
• Take antipyretic like Paracetamol to reduce pain and fever
• Talk to doctor if you are already under any treatment

Before going to Zika affected region, make sure you take precautionary steps by using a superior quality insect repellent. You should take special care as mosquitoes can bite you at any time of the day. If you are pregnant, it is recommended not to travel in vulnerable areas. Get immediate attention if you experience Zika symptoms.

Paracetamol During Pregnancy Leads To Autism And ADHD, Not Proven

According to the mail online reports, pregnant women who take Paracetamol have children with autism and ADHD (Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder). However, a Spanish study has found that there is no direct link or strong evidence to either condition.

Medical researchers analysed use of Paracetamol in nearly 2,000 pregnant women and performed several behavioural and developmental investigations on the children aged between one and five. They found the link between Paracetamol use in pregnancy and hyperactivity symptoms or autism in children aged five. However, there was no relation with complete diagnostic criteria for ADHD or autism in all children.

The causes of both the health issues are poorly understood, as there could be other factors such as genetic predisposition and environmental influences, which were not taken into consideration during the study. For instance, the study did not consider whether the women smoked during pregnancy. They also failed to assess the child’s exposure to passive smoking. Smoking during pregnancy is linked with both autism and ADHD in children.

Experts opine that Paracetamol can be used occasionally during pregnancy, but after consulting a medical professional. However, Paracetamol safety during pregnancy is still a debatable topic. Overdose with this painkiller during pregnancy increases the risk of health issues in new-born.

The Study

Medical researchers from various healthcare institutions in Spain conducted the study. They recruited around 2,644 expectant mothers from different regions. Pregnant women were questioned at 12 and 32 weeks of gestation. They specifically asked about the medicines used one month before or during pregnancy. If they said yes, they asked about the medicine, dosage, duration, frequency of use, etc.  In addition, nearly 80% of children (aged one to five years) were assessed.

The basic results found that around 42% children had been exposed to this painkiller during pregnancy. The expectants mother used this drug to get rid of pain. Researchers explain that Paracetamol in pregnancy is associated with high risk of autism in boys and ADHD in both genders. However, the study does not prove that Paracetamol is the sole reason behind these findings. For instance, this painkiller was not linked with full diagnostic criteria of ADHD.

Researchers did not consider other factors in this study, such as genetic influence, environmental influence, smoking, alcohol consumption and overall well-being. In addition, no relation was found with intellectual and developmental outcomes in children.

All in all, the link can help in further investigation, but fails to prove the relation between Paracetamol use during pregnancy and risk of autism or ADHD.

If a pregnant woman experiences chronic pain and feel the need for painkillers, she should speak to her GP for alternative options.