It is believed that treating viral and cold diseases with alcohol has a beneficial effect on the body. However, alcohol consumption during the course of the disease and the decline of the immune system is recommended only in the early stages of the disease. In this article, we will talk about how the body behaves during illness and consider how alcohol cures colds.
Alcohol and the flu
Experts agree that colds and alcohol are in no way related. During viral illness (ARVI), the pathogenic bacteria spread throughout the body. They primarily affect the mucous membranes of the mouth and nasal cavity. As a result, symptoms of ARVI occur:
- runny nose;
- cough;
- temperature rise;
- sore throat.
Cold alcohol cannot kill bacteria. When a small dose of wine or brandy is consumed, mucosal irritation occurs, swelling develops, and the patient's condition sometimes worsens.
For information! A small dose of any alcoholic beverage can disrupt the function of the pancreas, causing the production and regeneration of new cells in the tissues to be suppressed. Experts do not recommend drinking alcohol in case of colds, because ethanol products do not kill bacteria.
It is not recommended to drink vodka at high body temperatures, therefore the body is poisoned during illness, and alcohol consumption can significantly increase and harm a person. If a patient chooses to treat colds with alcohol in acute respiratory infections, the body's defensive function slows down the production of interferon and can cause a rise in body temperature. This process will increase significantly over time and in the fight against viruses.
How do we treat viral infections with alcohol?
The main function of alcohol is disinfection. In case of acute sore throat, it is recommended to take a few sips of any strong alcoholic beverage. Ethanol products help neutralize viruses and prevent pathogenic bacteria from entering the bronchi and lungs. However, alcohol for colds should be taken with caution or you may get drunk.
For information! Hot wine or a glass of vodka can prevent disease but not cure it. This is because spirits change the acid-base balance and increase the level of acidity.
But is it possible to drink vodka with a sore throat? Tonsillitis or tonsillitis is an acute inflammation of the tonsils that occurs with influenza, its complications, sinusitis, and upper respiratory tract pathologies. Alcoholic beverages taken for angina can cause a sharp jump in temperature and dehydration, so it is not recommended to drink alcohol during tonsillitis. Effective treatment of colds with ethanol products is possible with the following symptoms:
- sore throat;
- weakness, lethargy, pain;
- chills.
In such a symptom, it is enough to drink a cup of hot tea with 60 ml of wine or other strong drink. Wine boiled with the addition of herbs, spices and honey can also have a positive effect on the general condition of the patient.
Angina and alcohol
Can I drink alcohol with angina? Experts say angina and alcohol are incompatible. Strong drinks (40 degrees) have a negative effect on the inflamed mucous membranes of the nasopharynx and irritated tonsils. Most often with angina, the pathogenic microflora is disrupted by staphylococcal and streptococcal bacteria. When a person becomes ill, the body's resistance decreases, and pathogenic bacteria develop that affect healthy tissues. Therefore, from a medical point of view, alcohol cannot kill a sore throat, it can only remove the initial symptoms of a viral disease.
Important! The use of alcoholic beverages with acute angina is strictly prohibited.
Preventive measures
In the fight against ARVI, alcohol can only be used in the early stages of the disease (hypothermia, runny nose, feeling of congestion in the throat and nasal cavity). A small amount of alcohol after the formation of hypothermia will have a beneficial effect on the body and neutralize pathogenic microbes. If someone is drinking and staying outdoors at a low temperature for a while, their heat transfer will be significantly reduced and there is a chance of even more supercooling.
For information! Research has shown that even 50 ml of a strong drink can be beneficial in fighting colds.
The most important thing in treating the flu is not to increase your alcohol intake if you drink more than you need, your immune system is weakened, and all organs and systems are damaged. If the patient has alcoholism, treatment with this method is impossible.
Complex treatment of acute viral diseases is recommended with mandatory bed rest. In the case of a cold, you should only drink if the infection has not yet had time to infect the patient's lungs and bronchi.