Does COVID-19 Affect Alcohol Tolerance? Post-Recovery Changes

Q: Does COVID-19 Affect Alcohol Tolerance? Post-Recovery Changes

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

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 and only occasionally has a drink with his mother, the last time being 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 around clearly.
Tonight, while we were buying barbecue, he suddenly wanted to have some alcohol.
It has been a month since his recovery, 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 experienced before).
He has been very busy with work lately, working over 12 hours a day since his recovery, 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 extreme 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 (such as 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.
If there is a deficiency in the enzymes that convert acetaldehyde to acetic acid, acetaldehyde can accumulate in the body, leading to intoxication.
2.
There is no direct evidence linking decreased alcohol tolerance to COVID-19, but it is not impossible.
Currently, there are no guidelines stating that individuals cannot consume alcohol after recovery.
It is important to maintain moderate drinking habits: men should not exceed 20 grams of alcohol per day, and women should not exceed 10 grams per day.
In simpler terms, this 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 a contributing factor.
It is advisable to monitor the situation.
If there is significant concern, a medical evaluation to check liver function may be warranted.
If his alcohol tolerance remains poor and there are no notable abnormalities in the physical examination, it may then be possible that it is related to COVID-19.

Reply Date: 2022/07/09

More Info

COVID-19 has been shown to have various effects on the body, and one area of concern is its potential impact on alcohol tolerance and overall health post-recovery. Your boyfriend's experience of suddenly decreased alcohol tolerance after recovering from COVID-19 raises several important questions.

1. Sudden Decrease in Alcohol Tolerance: A sudden change in alcohol tolerance can indeed be indicative of underlying health issues. Alcohol tolerance can fluctuate due to a variety of factors, including recent illness, fatigue, and changes in metabolic function. In your boyfriend's case, having recently recovered from COVID-19, it is plausible that his body is still in a state of recovery. COVID-19 can lead to fatigue, muscle weakness, and other systemic effects that may alter how the body metabolizes alcohol. Additionally, if he has been working long hours and feeling fatigued, this could further exacerbate the situation.
2. Relation to COVID-19: While there is no direct evidence linking COVID-19 to a permanent decrease in alcohol tolerance, it is essential to consider that the virus can affect various organ systems, including the liver, which plays a crucial role in metabolizing alcohol. If the liver is not functioning optimally due to the aftereffects of COVID-19, it could lead to increased sensitivity to alcohol. Furthermore, the stress of illness and recovery can also impact overall health and resilience, potentially making him more susceptible to the effects of alcohol.

3. Fatigue and Alcohol Tolerance: Fatigue is a significant factor that can influence alcohol tolerance. If your boyfriend is experiencing ongoing fatigue from his recent illness and long work hours, this could contribute to his body's altered response to alcohol. When the body is fatigued, it may not metabolize alcohol as efficiently, leading to heightened effects even with smaller amounts consumed.
If you are concerned about his health, it would be prudent to consult a healthcare professional. They may recommend several evaluations, including:
- Liver Function Tests: To assess how well his liver is functioning, especially since the liver is crucial for alcohol metabolism.

- Complete Blood Count (CBC): To check for any signs of infection or other underlying issues.

- Electrolyte Levels: To ensure that his body is balanced, as dehydration or imbalances can affect overall health and alcohol tolerance.

- General Health Assessment: A thorough check-up to rule out any other potential health issues that may have arisen post-COVID.

In conclusion, while there is no definitive answer linking COVID-19 to a permanent decrease in alcohol tolerance, the effects of the virus, combined with fatigue and stress, could certainly play a role in your boyfriend's experience. It is essential to monitor his symptoms and seek medical advice to ensure that he is recovering well and to address any potential health concerns. Encouraging him to rest, stay hydrated, and avoid alcohol until he feels fully recovered may also be beneficial.

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