why does drinking alcohol stop my shortness of breath? why doesnt medication, excercise, or vitamins/minerals?
Friday, June 4th, 2010 at
9:55 am
i’ve had breathing issues for the past 3 years. i was diagnosed with anxiety, asthma, bronchitis, acid reflux… but no pills, inhalers, or exercise helped. until last night, i drank a few alcoholic beveraegs, and i did not gasp for air or cough ONCE!
Tagged with: alcohol • breath • doesnt • drinking • excercise • Medication • shortness • stop • vitamins/minerals
Filed under: Acid Reflux Alcohol
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they relax you….if you have all that stuff though (which i doubt), the booze won’t cure bronchitis or asthma…it will exasperate acid reflux
My Great-great grandmother carried around Whisky for her asthma. It calms you down.
Alcohol, among other things, is a respiratory depressant:
The effects of alcohol on the human body can take several forms.
Alcohol, specifically ethanol, is a potent central nervous system depressant, with a range of side effects. The amount and circumstances of consumption play a large part in determining the extent of intoxication; e.g., consuming alcohol after a heavy meal is less likely to produce visible signs of intoxication than consumption on an empty stomach. Hydration also plays a role, especially in determining the extent of hangovers. The concentration of alcohol in blood is usually measured in terms of the blood alcohol content.
Alcohol has a biphasic effect on the body, which is to say that its effects change over time. [1] Initially, alcohol generally produces feelings of relaxation and cheerfulness, but further consumption can lead to blurred vision and coordination problems.
Please note: the BAC percentages provided below are just estimates and used for illustrative purposes only. They are not meant to be an exhaustive reference; please refer to a healthcare professional if more information is needed.
Euphoria (BAC = 0.03 to 0.12%)
Subject may experience an overall improvement in mood and possible euphoria.
They may become more self-confident or daring.
Their attention span shortens. They may look flushed.
Their judgment is not as good — they may express the first thought that comes to mind, rather than an appropriate comment for the given situation.
They have trouble with fine movements, such as writing or signing their name.
Lethargy (BAC = 0.09 to 0.25%)
Subject may become sleepy
They have trouble understanding or remembering things, even recent events. They do not react to situations as quickly.
Their body movements are uncoordinated; they begin to lose their balance easily, stumbling; walking is not stable.
Their vision becomes blurry. They may have trouble sensing things (hearing, tasting, feeling, etc.).
Confusion (BAC = 0.18 to 0.30%)
Profound confusion — uncertain where they are or what they are doing. Dizziness and staggering occur.
Heightened emotional state — aggressive, withdrawn, or overly affectionate. Vision, speech, and awareness are impaired.
Poor coordination and pain response. Nausea and vomiting sometimes occurs.
Stupor (BAC = 0.25 to 0.40%)
Movement severely impaired; lapses in and out of consciousness.
Subjects can slip into a coma; will become completely unaware of surroundings, time passage, and actions.
Risk of death is very high due to alcohol poisoning and/or pulmonary aspiration of vomit while unconscious.
Coma (BAC = 0.35 to 0.50%)
Unconsciousness sets in.
Reflexes are depressed (i.e., pupils do not respond appropriately to changes in light).
Breathing is slower and more shallow. Heart rate drops. Death usually occurs at levels in this range.
Death (BAC more than 0.50%)
Can cause central nervous system to fail, resulting in death.