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Increased gastrointestinal symptoms in chronic alcoholics
1Department of Medicine, Loyola University Medical Center, Maywood, Illinois.
The American Journal of Gastroenterology
|March 1, 1994
Summary
Chronic alcoholics experience more frequent and severe gastrointestinal (GI) symptoms, including heartburn and nausea. These digestive issues improve rapidly with abstinence from alcohol.
Area of Science:
- Gastroenterology
- Addiction Medicine
Background:
- Chronic alcohol consumption is often associated with gastrointestinal (GI) distress.
- The exact prevalence and severity of GI symptoms in alcoholics remain unclear.
Purpose of the Study:
- To compare the frequency and severity of GI symptoms between male alcoholics and nonalcoholic controls.
- To evaluate GI symptoms during active drinking, early withdrawal, and sobriety.
Main Methods:
- A standardized questionnaire assessed 14 GI symptoms in 48 male alcoholics and 48 controls.
- Symptom severity was measured using a visual analog scale (1-10).
- Data were collected on two separate occasions for each subject.
Main Results:
- Actively drinking and withdrawing alcoholics reported more frequent heartburn, nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, and flatulence.
- Alcoholics experienced more severe chest pain, milk intolerance, and postprandial fullness compared to controls.
- These GI symptoms were transient and did not correlate with alcohol consumption quantity.
Conclusions:
- Alcoholics exhibit a higher frequency and severity of GI symptoms.
- These symptoms predominantly occur during active drinking and resolve quickly upon abstinence.
- The findings highlight the significant impact of alcohol on digestive health.