Alcohol And Coughing: Is It Ever Safe?

Drinking alcohol while experiencing a cough or a cold is generally not recommended. Alcohol can have adverse effects on the body's immune system, making it harder for the body to fight off infections and prolonging the recovery process. Alcohol also interacts negatively with many common cold and cough medications, such as acetaminophen, chlorpheniramine maleate, and pseudoephedrine, and can cause liver damage, drowsiness, nausea, and difficulty sleeping when mixed with these medications. While moderate alcohol consumption may reduce the frequency of colds, it is not a cure or treatment for a cough or a cold and can worsen symptoms such as congestion.

Alcohol may worsen symptoms and side effects of medication

Drinking alcohol while sick is generally not recommended as it can worsen symptoms and prolong recovery. Alcohol can negatively impact the immune system, making it more difficult for the body to fight off infection. This is because alcohol limits the overall function of the brain and can damage the white blood cells that the body creates to target foreign pathogens.

Additionally, alcohol can interact with and limit the function of medications, including common cold and flu treatments. For example, alcohol should not be mixed with cough medicines that contain dextromethorphan, as both are central nervous system (CNS) depressants, causing relaxation, sleepiness, and a euphoric feeling. Mixing these substances can increase the risk of overdose. Alcohol can also interact with acetaminophen, a common ingredient in cold and flu medications, and the nasal decongestant pseudoephedrine, which may cause difficulty sleeping and headaches.

Furthermore, alcohol can cause dehydration, which can slow the recovery process and worsen congestion. It can also trigger asthma symptoms, with studies indicating that the route, duration, and concentration of alcohol intake are variables that likely modify this response. Alcoholic beverages may contain non-alcohol congeners that trigger bronchoconstriction and wheezing in susceptible individuals.

Overall, it is advisable to avoid alcohol while taking any cough or cold medication and to opt for alcohol-free formulations of these medications if necessary.

Alcohol is a toxin that can damage immune cells

While it is generally advised to avoid drinking alcohol when coughing as it can cause dehydration and slow down recovery, the impact of alcohol on the immune system is complex and depends on the amount consumed.

Alcohol is indeed a toxin that can damage immune cells. The effects of alcohol on the immune system have been studied extensively, and it has been found to impair both the innate and adaptive branches of the immune system. The innate immune system is our first line of defence against pathogens, and alcohol can interfere with the functioning of innate immune cells such as natural killer (NK) cells, neutrophils, and macrophages, reducing their ability to recognise and respond to infections. For example, alcohol can damage epithelial cells, T cells, and neutrophils in the gastrointestinal (GI) system, disrupting the gut barrier and allowing bacteria to leak into the circulation. This can trigger inflammation and contribute to conditions such as alcohol liver disease (ALD).

The adaptive immune system, on the other hand, is responsible for generating immunological memory and protective immunity against specific pathogens. Alcohol consumption can alter both cell-mediated immunity, carried out by T cells, and humoral immunity, carried out by B cells. T cells play a critical role in activating and maturing other immune cells and eliminating infected or tumour cells. B cells produce antibodies to eliminate microorganisms and prevent infections. Alcohol can impair the function of these cells, reducing the body's ability to defend against infections and diseases.

The impact of alcohol on the immune system can vary depending on the amount consumed. Moderate alcohol consumption has been associated with reduced inflammation and improved vaccine responses. However, heavy or binge drinking can lead to more severe consequences, including impaired immune function. Even a single session of drinking 5-6 drinks can suppress the immune system for up to 24 hours. Additionally, the lungs are particularly vulnerable to the effects of alcohol, and excessive drinking can impact the immune cells that protect them, increasing the risk of respiratory infections and diseases.

Overall, while the mechanisms by which alcohol affects the immune system are not yet fully understood, the evidence suggests that alcohol can indeed damage immune cells and impair the body's ability to defend against infections and diseases. Therefore, it is essential to drink in moderation or abstain to minimise the negative impact on the immune system.

Alcohol can dehydrate you, slowing recovery

Drinking alcohol when you have a cough is generally not recommended. Alcohol is a toxin that can negatively impact your immune system, making it harder for your body to fight off infection. It can also interact with and limit the function of medications you may be taking to ease your symptoms.

One of the main reasons why alcohol is not recommended when you have a cough is that it can cause dehydration. Alcohol is a diuretic, which means it increases the production of urine and can lead to water loss in the body. When you are sick with a cough, proper hydration is crucial for soothing and easing your symptoms. Dehydration can worsen congestion and make it more challenging for your body to break up and clear mucus from your airways.

Drinking fluids, such as water and juices, is recommended when you have a cough to help thin and loosen mucus, making it easier to expel. Dehydration caused by alcohol consumption can, therefore, slow down your recovery process by making it more difficult for your body to effectively clear mucus and phlegm.

Additionally, alcohol can disrupt your sleep patterns, leading to less restorative sleep and potentially worsening your cough and cold symptoms. It can also cause or exacerbate headaches, body aches, nausea, vomiting, and gastro pain. These alcohol-induced symptoms can further slow down your recovery as they can make you feel worse and interfere with your body's natural healing process.

Overall, it is advisable to avoid alcohol consumption when you are coughing or experiencing any illness. Instead, focus on staying hydrated, getting adequate rest, and taking any recommended medications or remedies to support your recovery.

Alcohol can cause nausea, vomiting, and gastro pain

Drinking alcohol when you have a cough is not advisable. Alcohol suppresses the release of vasopressin, a hormone that signals the kidneys to retain fluid, leading to dehydration, which slows down the recovery process. Additionally, alcohol can irritate the stomach lining, causing gastrointestinal issues such as nausea, vomiting, and gastro pain.

Nausea is a common symptom of a hangover, which can occur after drinking alcohol. The National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism (NIAAA) explains that alcohol directly irritates the stomach lining and increases acid release, leading to nausea and stomach discomfort. This irritation of the stomach lining can also lead to inflammation in the body, contributing to the malaise associated with being unwell.

Vomiting is another way the body naturally eliminates excess alcohol and its toxins from the bloodstream. Binge drinking or consuming excessive amounts of alcohol within a short period can lead to vomiting. This is because the liver converts alcohol into acetaldehyde, a highly reactive toxic chemical. If the levels of acetaldehyde exceed the liver's capacity to convert it into acetate for elimination, vomiting occurs to expel the excess toxins.

Alcoholic gastritis is a condition caused by drinking too much alcohol too often. It irritates and erodes the stomach lining, causing symptoms such as heartburn, recurrent stomach pain, indigestion, and even more severe complications. People with chronic alcohol use disorder or those who binge drink are at a higher risk of developing alcoholic ketoacidosis (AKA), which can also lead to vomiting.

To summarise, consuming alcohol when coughing is not recommended due to its dehydrating effects and potential to cause gastrointestinal issues. Alcohol can irritate the stomach lining, leading to nausea, vomiting, and gastro pain, all of which can prolong the recovery process and exacerbate coughing symptoms. It is crucial to stay hydrated and rest when unwell, and alcohol consumption can hinder these recovery processes.

Alcohol can trigger asthma and bronchospasm

The route, duration, and concentration of alcohol intake are variables that likely modify the response in people with asthma. For example, one study found that while intravenous alcohol did not affect the pulmonary function of healthy subjects, it caused concentration-dependent bronchodilation in asthmatic subjects. Pure ethanol is a modest bronchodilator and likely relaxes bronchial smooth muscle. However, non-alcohol components of alcoholic beverages, such as acetaldehyde, can trigger bronchoconstriction in asthmatics with genetically reduced ALDH2 activity, which is more common in certain Asian populations.

If you have asthma and find that alcohol triggers your symptoms, it is recommended that you avoid alcoholic drinks or choose drinks that do not affect your asthma. Low-sulfite wines or clear spirits like gin and vodka may be better options for people with asthma, but they may still contain sulfites and histamines, so they are not safe for everyone. It is also important to remember that triggers can change, so always carry your reliever inhaler with you. If you are taking steroid tablets, it is best to avoid alcohol as it can irritate your stomach.

Frequently asked questions