Reviewed by medical experts • For informational purposes only
Dehydration, acetaldehyde, inflammation, poor sleep and congeners, and what raises risk.
A hangover is the group of unpleasant symptoms that follow heavy drinking, usually once alcohol has mostly left the blood. It has no single cause. Several effects of alcohol act together.
What happens in the body
What raises the chance
Drinking quickly, drinking on an empty stomach, mixing drinks, little sleep, smoking and a family history all play a part. Hangover severity does not match the amount drunk exactly, and some people get one after only a little alcohol.
Ayurvedic view
Ayurveda calls the state of intoxication madatyaya and links it to aggravated pitta. This is an interpretive framework and not a proven explanation.
Key point
A hangover is a sign that the body has been stressed by alcohol, not something that can be avoided by a trick.
Before your appointment
Note how much and what you drank, over how long, and your symptoms. List any medicines or supplements taken, how often hangovers occur, and any past liver, stomach or heart problems. Be open with your doctor about alcohol use, since this helps them advise you safely.
Written By
Dr. Daksh
BDS
Reviewed By
Dr. Varun Gupta
MD Pharmacology, MBBS
Last updated on
27 Sep 2022 • 06:23 PM (IST)
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