How a sip of booze could help diagnose a COVID long hauler syndrome

In the meantime, healthcare providers should take alcohol intolerance into account when evaluating and treating post-COVID symptoms. When stress exceeds a certain limit, it might trigger brain inflammation, resulting in symptoms like those seen in ME/CFS, including alcohol intolerance. Ongoing research, including advanced brain scans, aims to further investigate these connections. Supporting loved ones during their battle with COVID-19 requires sensitivity and understanding, particularly regarding their choices around alcohol consumption. Open communication is key; discussing concerns about alcohol use in a non-judgmental manner can help loved ones feel safe sharing their experiences and struggles. It is important to approach these conversations with empathy, recognizing that individuals may turn to alcohol as a means of coping with stress or anxiety related to their illness.

• Now, some people battling back from COVID, are saying they get sick from just a few sips of alcohol.
• Post-acute sequelae of SARS-CoV-2 (PASC), also known as long COVID or post-acute COVID-19 syndrome, describes new or worsening symptoms that can last for months and even years following acute COVID infection 10.
• The condition doesn’t go away, but people can manage it by avoiding booze of all kinds.
• “Previous to the infection or previous to the disease, the intolerance was not present,” Dr. Vaughn said.
• Although it might feel like it, alcohol intolerance doesn’t make people get drunk faster, and it doesn’t increase blood alcohol levels.

My body can’t tolerate alcohol anymore after getting COVID. I’m not alone

“Even people that had it mildly, never went alcohol intolerance covid to the hospital, treated it all outpatient are like ‘hey man, I never really felt awful, but I never have kind of had that bounce back that I would have expected,'” Dr. Vaughn said. In Alabama, Dr. Jordan Vaughn says he’s seeing patients regularly with lingering issues from COVID. Given how complex long COVID is, it’s unlikely that just one of these theories can fully explain what’s going on.

Online platforms also offer various tools and resources aimed at promoting healthier drinking habits and fostering connections among individuals facing similar challenges. As the medical community continues to develop treatments for COVID-19, understanding potential interactions between alcohol and these medications is crucial. Some antiviral medications prescribed for COVID-19, such as remdesivir, have been shown to have adverse interactions with alcohol. After I drink just a small amount of wine, I get migraine headaches behind my left eye.

The patient experienced chronic, daily headaches characterized by a squeezing sensation at the top and back of the head, typically worst at night. He received four doses of COVID-19 vaccination, two before and two after infection. OI is a condition characterized by an individual’s inability to tolerate an upright posture because of an abnormal response of the body’s autonomic nervous system to gravitational changes, resulting in inadequate blood flow to the heart and brain. This condition is notably common in patients with ME/CFS and is becoming increasingly recognized in patients with long COVID or PASC 13-15.

Can alcohol make COVID-19 symptoms worse?

Numerous organizations offer support services tailored to those facing challenges related to drinking during this time. The Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) provides a national helpline that offers confidential assistance 24/7 for individuals seeking help with substance use disorders. Moreover, alcohol consumption can exacerbate mental health challenges during recovery. Many individuals experience anxiety or depression following a COVID-19 diagnosis, and turning to alcohol as a coping mechanism can create a cycle of dependency that complicates recovery efforts. This cycle not only affects physical health but also mental well-being, making it crucial for individuals recovering from COVID-19 to seek healthier coping strategies and support systems. These options allow individuals to enjoy social gatherings without compromising their health.

You’ll also want to avoid drinking alcohol when taking certain medications, as some drugs can worsen symptoms of alcohol intolerance. Taking antihistamine medication is another no-go because it may hide some symptoms and lead you to drink more. As individuals navigate the challenges posed by the pandemic, finding ways to moderate alcohol intake becomes essential for maintaining overall health. Setting specific days for drinking or designating a maximum number of drinks per week can help individuals stay accountable and reduce impulsive consumption.

Resources for Seeking Help with Alcohol Use During the COVID-19 Pandemic

Patients may be advised to avoid the type of drink or ingredient that may be triggering symptoms. The connection between differences in alcohol type and physiological effect is unclear, including whether it is the ethanol content itself or other compounds that are contained within various types of drinks, such as histamines and sulfites. More investigation is needed to understand the differences in response depending on the type of alcoholic beverage consumed, such as beer, hard liquor, or wine 34. Several anecdotal reports suggest that alcohol intolerance may be linked to long COVID, specifically the post-viral fatigue syndrome (PVFS) type.

Risks of Drinking Alcohol While Infected with COVID-19

Studies indicate that individuals who consume high levels of alcohol may experience prolonged recovery times and increased risk of complications following infection. Alcohol’s immunosuppressive effects can hinder the body’s ability to heal and regenerate tissues affected by the virus, leading to a slower recovery trajectory. Some evidence suggests that post-COVID-19 fatigue syndrome may share characteristics with ME/CFS, a condition where approximately 4 out of 5 people exhibit alcohol intolerance. Health professionals can provide tailored advice on managing alcohol consumption during illness and recovery. Additionally, offering practical support—such as helping them find resources for mental health support or engaging in sober activities together—can foster a sense of community and encourage healthier choices. The good news is that you can avoid alcohol intolerance by avoiding booze altogether.

Furthermore, investigating the underlying biological mechanisms responsible for new-onset alcohol reactions and sensitivity may provide valuable insights into the underlying pathophysiology of post-viral conditions, such as PASC and ME/CFS. A 60-year-old male with no prior medical history presented with five months of persistent symptoms following acute COVID infection, including headache, cognitive impairment, anxiety, and mood and sleep disturbances. These symptoms were disruptive to his regular activities including work and recreation. The patient reported a mild to moderate acute COVID infection that was managed outpatient with supportive care. Prior to his initial COVID infection, the patient reported consuming alcohol twice a month with no issue or reactions.

• A compromised gut microbiome can lead to increased intestinal permeability, often referred to as “leaky gut,” allowing toxins and pathogens to enter the bloodstream and provoke systemic inflammation.
• This case series is limited to four patients who self-identify as White or Hispanic, highlighting the need for further research investigating the potential influence of racial and ethnic background on alcohol intolerance in patients with PASC.
• Still, experts, particularly those who study or treat people with ME/CFS (myalgic encephalomyelitis/chronic fatigue syndrome) — a complex illness that shares many similarities with long COVID — aren’t too shocked to hear about the occurrence.
• Organizations such as the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and the World Health Organization (WHO) recommend limiting alcohol intake as a precautionary measure against both COVID-19 and other health issues.
• Acute alcohol consumption can impair the body’s ability to mount an effective immune response.

COVID can injure the liver in more ways than one, and some experts, like Malcolm, the long COVID doctor, suspects the disease causes “a little bit more injury to the liver than we thought that’s not apparent in standard lab tests.” The condition doesn’t go away, but people can manage it by avoiding booze of all kinds. People of Asian descent are more likely to have the genetic mutation, so they have the condition at greater rates compared with other racial groups. Studies have found that it shows up in anywhere between 65% to 80% of people with the illness. A neurologist with long COVID in Louisiana also wrote about her experience with it in a March 2021 blog post, and a Reddit thread from last February revealed more people dealing with the same problem. One theory suggests that the virus causing COVID-19 acts as a severe stressor, possibly affecting a part of the brain called the hypothalamic paraventricular nucleus (PVN).

Alcohol’s Impact on Respiratory Symptoms

When it’s related to long COVID or another chronic condition, however, alcohol intolerance likely harms the body through a different chemical mechanism that doesn’t involve an inherited genetic mutation or allergy, Komaroff said. There are reports that suggest that alcohol tolerance and susceptibility to alcohol-related diseases may differ among racial and ethnic groups 1-3,31,32. This case series is limited to four patients who self-identify as White or Hispanic, highlighting the need for further research investigating the potential influence of racial and ethnic background on alcohol intolerance in patients with PASC.

Our understanding of why individuals develop OI after viral illnesses is incomplete, but it is plausible that this could be a key mechanism by which alcohol consumption aggravates symptoms in those recovering from viral infections. Alcohol dilates blood vessels, potentially worsening the drop in blood pressure seen in those with OI. As a diuretic, alcohol may amplify dehydration in OI patients, further diminishing blood flow to the brain when upright and intensifying symptoms 26. The patient used to consume several drinks per week and drink socially, but reported that she had not consumed alcohol for the last seven months due to decreased tolerance. The patient reported one instance, post-COVID infection, during which she had one glass of wine and had such a bad reaction that she felt she could not move.

True alcohol allergy, a rare occurrence, is an immune response to alcohol compounds that leads to rashes, itchiness, swelling, severe stomach cramps, and potentially severe manifestations, such as anaphylaxis 3. In this case series report, we use the non-specific term “alcohol sensitivity” to describe a range of adverse reactions to alcohol, including symptoms such as fatigue, brain fog, and headaches. New-onset alcohol reactions and sensitivity can occur after COVID-19 infection in patients with PASC.