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Suggest Remedy For Dry Heaving And Headaches After Drinking Alcohol
Question: Dear Dr.: My girlfriend has a terrible hangover; after waking up some time ago, she called me to say she was dry heaving, and now - two hours later - she is still dry heaving. I told her to keep drinking water - even if it causes her to throw up - eat a banana, take Vit B and C, and take only Ibuprofen (which she had already taken 600mg of this morning). Her headache is awful and she can't keep anything down. I am worried this is worst hangover ever. She says she only drank a lot last night and didn't expect such a terrible hangover. Her only medications are Prozac 10mg and birth control (that I know of). She does not use drugs to my knowledge or belief. At what point does a hangover require urgent care or IV Fluids? She just called and says it's awful ("worst hangover I've ever had" coming from a moderately experience drinker), but I want to know if she just has to sit through it, or if there are signs that this is no normal hangover? I'm assuming if this were alcohol poisoning, she wouldn't be awake all day, right? So what's the next step? Can I advice she take Aleve or something, too? She has no other conditions or illnesses I'm aware of. She regularly takes Advil for headache type stuff.
Brief Answer:
It is a normal hangover; drinking plenty of water will help (hydration)
Detailed Answer:
Hello sir and welcome.
Thank you for writing to us.
I have gone through your query with diligence and would like you to know that I am here to help. Do not worry sir, dry heaving (a.k.a. retching) is usually due to the alcohol and the boy's reaction or attempt to get the alcohol out of the system. Usually if at all there is something in the stomach, this attempt by the body would result in vomiting, but when there is nothing in the stomach it results in dry heaving.
The body cannot tolerate all the alcohol in its system, and keeps sending a signal/stimulus to get the alcohol out of its system assuming the alcohol is in the stomach. But in your girlfriend's case, there is no alcohol in her stomach and so she will have to wait it out sir. There is no real cause for concern and you need not worry.
But it is absolutely important for her to keep herself hydrated, although due to the dry heaving, it may be difficult to stay hydrated at this point, which is why there are certain ways she can stay hydrated, they are:
+Suck on an ice cube: One ice cube every 15 minutes. If she ends up vomiting, then just ask her to try with another ice cube about 30 minutes after throwing up
or
+Take small sips of water every 15 minutes
+If she tolerates small sips of water, ask her to increase her intake slowly
+If she tolerates that as well, ask her to start drinking water regularly
Yes sir you are right, if it were alcohol poisoning we would see more serious symptoms and she would be struggling to remain conscious and oriented. Continue with the vitamins you suggested along with some bendryl, but Aleve is not really required unless she has a headache as well.
I hope you find my response helpful and informative. Speak to your girlfriend about drinking only how much she can take, and to drink responsibly from now onwards, she should although be fine in a day.
Best wishes.
It is a normal hangover; drinking plenty of water will help (hydration)
Detailed Answer:
Hello sir and welcome.
Thank you for writing to us.
I have gone through your query with diligence and would like you to know that I am here to help. Do not worry sir, dry heaving (a.k.a. retching) is usually due to the alcohol and the boy's reaction or attempt to get the alcohol out of the system. Usually if at all there is something in the stomach, this attempt by the body would result in vomiting, but when there is nothing in the stomach it results in dry heaving.
The body cannot tolerate all the alcohol in its system, and keeps sending a signal/stimulus to get the alcohol out of its system assuming the alcohol is in the stomach. But in your girlfriend's case, there is no alcohol in her stomach and so she will have to wait it out sir. There is no real cause for concern and you need not worry.
But it is absolutely important for her to keep herself hydrated, although due to the dry heaving, it may be difficult to stay hydrated at this point, which is why there are certain ways she can stay hydrated, they are:
+Suck on an ice cube: One ice cube every 15 minutes. If she ends up vomiting, then just ask her to try with another ice cube about 30 minutes after throwing up
or
+Take small sips of water every 15 minutes
+If she tolerates small sips of water, ask her to increase her intake slowly
+If she tolerates that as well, ask her to start drinking water regularly
Yes sir you are right, if it were alcohol poisoning we would see more serious symptoms and she would be struggling to remain conscious and oriented. Continue with the vitamins you suggested along with some bendryl, but Aleve is not really required unless she has a headache as well.
I hope you find my response helpful and informative. Speak to your girlfriend about drinking only how much she can take, and to drink responsibly from now onwards, she should although be fine in a day.
Best wishes.
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Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
Answered by
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