Russians were warned about the dangers of a hot bath and painkillers when hungover.

      A hangover is a state of alcohol intoxication that occurs after consuming alcoholic beverages. It is accompanied by weakness, headache, tachycardia, dizziness, nausea, vomiting, dry mouth, tremor, sleep disturbance and irritability.

      According to Associate Professor of the Department of Polyclinic Therapy at Pirogov University, Olga Sayno, one of the most common and at the same time dangerous ways of dealing with a hangover is a hot bath. After alcohol intake blood viscosity increases, which raises the risk of thrombosis. Hot water dilates blood vessels and can cause a sudden change in blood pressure, as well as extra strain on the heart and vessels. The situation is worsened by the dehydration typical of hangover syndrome. In addition, a hot bath increases sweating and leads to even greater dehydration.

      Taking painkillers for a hangover headache is also not recommended. The doctor explains that the head pain is a consequence of the body’s intoxication, not an independent problem. Analgin, paracetamol, citramon or ibuprofen in this state can provoke acute erosions or ulcers of the stomach and duodenum. Combinations of alcohol with medications are also dangerous: in some cases they can form toxic compounds. For example, a mixture of alcohol and Corvalol can lead to phenobarbital poisoning.

      Among other harmful ways of dealing with a hangover the specialist names a cold shower and bathing in cold water — they cause vasospasm — as well as taking vitamins, which does not solve the problem of intoxication.

      At the same time folk remedies can only partially alleviate the symptoms. These include pickle brine without vinegar, herbal decoctions, green tea, fermented dairy products, mineral water, chicken broth, oatmeal, cocoa made with water, succinic acid and ginger. However, the doctor emphasizes, these methods do not eliminate the cause of a hangover.

      According to Olga Sayno, the most reliable way to avoid hangover syndrome remains abstaining from alcoholic beverages.