Why Did My Boyfriend's Alcohol Tolerance Suddenly Decrease After COVID?

Q: Why Did My Boyfriend's Alcohol Tolerance Suddenly Decrease After COVID?

Hello： 1. <br>There are many reasons for a decrease in alcohol tolerance, including the individual's physical condition at the time (recent fatigue or lack of sleep), whether food was consumed and the type of food (drinking on an empty stomach can lead to quicker intoxication), a

Has having been diagnosed with COVID-19 affected alcohol tolerance?

Hello Doctor: My boyfriend was diagnosed with COVID-19 in early June, and his symptoms were mild.
He rarely drinks alcohol, only occasionally having a drink with his mother, and the last time he drank was about three to four months ago.
Although he drinks infrequently, he usually handles alcohol well; he can drink two cans of Taiwan Beer and, while his face turns red, he can still converse and move clearly.
Tonight, while we were buying barbecue, he suddenly wanted to have some alcohol.
It has been a month since his recovery from COVID-19, so I didn't think much of it and let him buy beer.
However, after just finishing one can of beer, within ten minutes, he went from being able to converse with me to completely falling asleep on the couch...
I was shocked; this was the first time it happened.
An hour after drinking, his face and body were still hot.
I tried to wake him up to go to bed, but he still couldn't converse normally and was swaying while walking (which he had never done before).
He has been very busy with work lately, working over 12 hours a day since recovering from COVID-19, and has been feeling very fatigued.
I would like to ask the doctor: (1) Is it a health issue if a person's alcohol tolerance suddenly decreases? (2) Is this related to his previous COVID-19 diagnosis? Should someone who has recovered from COVID-19 avoid drinking alcohol? (3) If the sudden decrease in alcohol tolerance is not related to COVID-19, could it be due to his physical fatigue? If I am concerned about his health, what tests should be conducted? I am very worried since he has never reacted this way before.
Thank you for your help, Doctor.

Ping, 30~39 year old female. Ask Date: 2022/07/09

Dr. Lin Zhebin reply Family Medicine

Hello: 1.
There are many reasons for a decrease in alcohol tolerance, including the individual's physical condition at the time (recent fatigue or lack of sleep), whether food was consumed and the type of food (drinking on an empty stomach can lead to quicker intoxication), and the body's alcohol metabolism.
Alcohol is primarily metabolized in the liver, where ethanol is converted to acetaldehyde and then to acetic acid.
A deficiency in the enzymes that convert acetaldehyde to acetic acid can lead to the accumulation of acetaldehyde in the body, resulting in intoxication.
2.
There is no direct evidence linking decreased alcohol tolerance to COVID-19, but it is not impossible.
Currently, there is no guideline stating that one cannot drink alcohol after recovery.
It is essential to maintain moderate drinking habits: men should not exceed 20 grams of alcohol per day, and women should not exceed 10 grams of alcohol per day.
This roughly translates to men consuming no more than 2 cans (700 milliliters) of 4.5% beer per day, and women consuming no more than 1 can (350 milliliters) of 4.5% beer per day.
3.
If your boyfriend's alcohol tolerance has decreased, it may be worth considering whether recent fatigue is the cause.
It is advisable to observe the situation further.
If there are significant concerns, a medical check-up to assess liver function may be warranted.
If alcohol tolerance remains poor and no specific abnormalities are found during the physical examination, then it may be related to COVID-19.

Reply Date: 2022/07/09

More Info

The sudden decrease in your boyfriend's alcohol tolerance after recovering from COVID-19 raises several important considerations. Let's break down the potential reasons for this change and address your specific questions.

1. Sudden Decrease in Alcohol Tolerance: A sudden drop in alcohol tolerance can be attributed to various factors, including changes in physical health, metabolic processes, and psychological state. After an illness like COVID-19, the body may still be in a recovery phase, which can affect how it processes substances like alcohol. The liver, which is primarily responsible for metabolizing alcohol, may still be recovering from the effects of the virus, even if he had a mild case. Additionally, fatigue and stress from work can further exacerbate this issue, as they can affect overall health and metabolic function.

2. Relation to COVID-19: While there is no direct evidence linking COVID-19 to a permanent change in alcohol tolerance, some studies suggest that viral infections can impact liver function and overall metabolic health. If your boyfriend experienced any liver involvement during his illness, even if mild, it could lead to changes in how his body processes alcohol. Furthermore, the stress and fatigue from both the illness and his demanding work schedule could contribute to this sudden change in tolerance.

3. Fatigue and Alcohol Tolerance: Fatigue can significantly impact how the body responds to alcohol. When the body is exhausted, it may not metabolize alcohol as efficiently, leading to quicker intoxication. If your boyfriend has been working long hours and is feeling physically drained, this could explain why he experienced such a strong reaction after consuming just one can of beer. It’s important to note that alcohol can also exacerbate feelings of fatigue and can lead to dehydration, which may further impair his body's ability to handle alcohol.

4. Health Concerns and Recommended Checks: Given your boyfriend's unusual reaction to alcohol, it would be wise to monitor his health closely. If he continues to experience symptoms such as excessive fatigue, confusion, or any other concerning signs, it would be prudent to consult a healthcare professional. Tests that might be recommended include liver function tests to assess how well his liver is processing substances, as well as a general health check-up to rule out any underlying issues that may have arisen post-COVID.

In conclusion, while a sudden decrease in alcohol tolerance can be alarming, it may be a temporary effect related to his recent illness and current fatigue levels. It’s essential to approach this situation with caution and to seek medical advice if his symptoms persist or worsen. Encouraging him to rest, stay hydrated, and avoid alcohol until he feels fully recovered could also be beneficial.

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