Contents
Puffiness is one of the unpleasant consequences of alcohol abuse. The accumulation of fluid in the tissues occurs due to a violation of the normal functioning of the kidneys, most often localized on the face and usually disappears within a day. However, severe swelling after alcohol on the legs, arms, abdomen and other parts of the body may indicate the presence of serious pathologies that require immediate treatment. Next, we will figure out why alcohol causes puffiness and how to deal with it.
Causes of edema
The antidiuretic vasopressin is responsible for maintaining fluid in the body. The hormone enters the blood from the hypothalamus, regulates the functioning of the kidneys and maintains an optimal water-salt balance. Alcohol suppresses the production of vasopressin, which disrupts the normal functioning of the excretory system. The kidneys stop removing excess electrolytes: potassium and sodium. At the same time, there is an increased outflow of urine, which forces frequent visits to the toilet. With an increase in the amount of alcohol drunk, the process proceeds more intensively, therefore, severe dehydration is a frequent consequence of alcohol excesses.
When the level of ethanol in the blood falls, the increased sodium in the kidneys leads to water retention in the body. The period of recovery of the functions of the excretory system takes at least a day. During this time, excess fluid may accumulate in the soft tissues, resulting in increased swelling. The area under the eyes suffers the most, where there is fatty tissue that tends to retain water. In a healthy person, the body quickly restores electrolyte balance and returns to normal.
Mild swelling from alcohol after a party full of beer and salty snacks is normal and should not be cause for concern. Fluid retention can be facilitated by pain medication, smoking, and seasonal allergies. A sign of a serious problem is frequent and prolonged swelling that occurs in all parts of the body, including the face, arms, legs, and abdomen. Excessive fluid accumulation can be a symptom of chronic kidney, liver, and heart disease.
Nephritis
The disease occurs on the background of long-term alcohol abuse. Ethanol provokes inflammatory processes in the kidneys, which lead to disruption of the structure and functions of the nephrons responsible for filtering the blood and removing decay products from it. As a result, they develop:
- oliguria – decreased urine production;
- uremia – retention of substances that must be excreted from the body;
- hematuria – the appearance of blood in the urine.
Inflammation of the nephrons prevents normal blood circulation in the kidneys, so the filtration rate drops significantly. Excess fluid is not excreted properly, but is retained in the body, which leads to the appearance of edema. In addition, a decrease in blood flow to the organ disrupts the informative function of the kidneys. The hormonal system that regulates blood pressure begins to work blindly, and produces excess amounts of the corticosteroid aldosterone, which contributes to fluid retention.
Renal edema occurs quickly and is localized in the upper body, on the eyelids, around the eyes. The skin in the edematous areas is slightly paler than usual, when pressed, the edematous areas can move. Nephritis is often accompanied by urination disorders, pain in the lumbar region, urinary retention. The disease is dangerous because the kidneys stop removing proteins responsible for blood clotting. The result is chronic hypertension and strokes.
Alcoholic liver disease
Alcohol addiction leads to liver diseases such as alcoholic hepatitis, fibrosis, and cirrhosis. Edema in alcoholics occurs due to the weakening and narrowing of the walls of blood vessels that feed the organ. Violation of blood flow leads to increased pressure in the venous system, saphenous veins in the abdominal wall expand and contribute to the formation of a protruding abdomen. Over time, the venous walls do not withstand and rupture, fluid accumulates in the abdominal cavity, which presses the diaphragm and makes breathing difficult. The appearance of edema in the abdomen is characteristic of cirrhosis of the liver. Ascites or abdominal dropsy is a serious disease with an unfavorable outcome.
Cardiovascular diseases
Alcohol weakens the heart muscle and causes cardiopathology, which is often accompanied by edema. The reason is congestion in the circulatory system, causing the accumulation of fluid in the intercellular space. Edematous areas are localized mainly in the lower extremities, can capture the lower back. Unlike renal edema, cardiac edema develops gradually and it is impossible to remove them with massage, compresses or baths. Some improvement is observed at night, when a person takes a supine position and blood flow is partially restored.
How to get rid of swelling after alcohol
A swollen face after alcohol can cause serious inconvenience, especially if you have an important meeting or a regular work day. The condition can be improved with a mask of grated raw potatoes or cucumber, washing with a decoction of calendula, massage procedures using ice cubes.
You should limit salt and drink as much mineral water without gas as possible to make up for the loss of fluid. Physical activity helps to get rid of edema, so a walk in the fresh air is useful.
The accumulation of fluid is observed in inflammatory, infectious and dental diseases. A puffy face can be caused by thyroid problems and hormonal imbalances. Self-treatment of chronic edema with diuretics is dangerous, as the loss of potassium can cause seizures. Most decongestant gels and ointments are not intended for use on the face and are used primarily to treat bruises and injuries. Severe swelling is a reason to see a doctor for a comprehensive diagnosis.
Attention! Self-medication can be dangerous, consult your doctor.