Alcohol pain is a pain in the lymph node region that occurs after or after drinking alcohol. It is a typical symptom of Hodgkin's disease, a malignant lymph gland cancer.
What is alcohol pain?
In medical parlance, the term alcohol pain refers to a very special symptom of a malignant lymph gland cancer. Although it rarely occurs, when it does occur it is said to be very typical of the disease.
However, the exact relationship between symptom and illness cannot be explained, which is why the following explanations should be viewed with reservation in order to avoid scare tactics.
Nevertheless, anyone who notices such alcohol pain should consult a doctor so that they can get to the bottom of the matter with a simple blood test.
causes
Hodgkin's disease is a malignant disease in which cancer cells from the lymph nodes in the neck, armpit, groin or chest can affect the entire body and lead to a variety of different symptoms.
The exact causes of the disease are still not clear: It is assumed that there is a connection with Epstein-Barr viruses, which also trigger Pfeiffer's glandular fever and are present in 95% of all adults. Suppression or weakening of the immune system as a precursor to the development of cancer is also discussed. The age structure of the Hodgkin sufferers shows two frequency peaks, a large one in the third and another somewhat smaller one in the seventh decade of life. This means that younger people in particular are affected, with men slightly more often than women.
It is unclear why alcohol pain ultimately results in Hodgkin lymphoma. What is certain, however, is that this symptom only occurs in a small percentage of Hodgkin sufferers. Then, however, it can be a typical early symptom, which would not be described in this form for any other disease.
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➔ Medicines against swelling of the lymph nodesDiseases with this symptom
- Hodgkin's disease (Hodgkin's lymphoma)
Diagnosis & course
As typical of the Alcohol pain Many sufferers describe that it occurs with the first sip of alcohol and that it often subsides quickly afterwards. The pain can occur, for example, as a shoulder or sore throat, which can often not be properly classified for a long time. Anyone who establishes the connection with alcohol consumption should, however, have the matter clarified by a doctor.
Otherwise, Hodgkin's disease shows a variety of symptoms, the diagnosis is often delayed unnecessarily long by uncharacteristic symptoms that are not taken seriously.
Non-painful and suddenly noticeable lymph node swellings on the neck or in the armpit are common reasons for the first visit to the doctor. Furthermore, the so-called "B-symptoms" such as fever, night sweats and unexplained weight loss of more than 10 percent of the body weight within six Months.
Reduced performance, spleen or liver swelling and itching as well as other skin symptoms can also occur in the further course of the disease. In the late stage of organ involvement, in principle all phenomena are possible.
Complications
Alcohol pain, a symptom of Hodgkin's disease, can lead to various complications. If not treated, the pain initially intensifies and, under certain circumstances, the pain spreads to other parts of the body. If initially only the neck or shoulder area is usually affected, the underlying disease of the lymphatic system later spreads to the groin region and into the abdomen.
This is accompanied by complications such as fever, severe pain and night sweats. In addition, significant weight loss can be observed within a short period of time.This leads to decreased performance, itching and further symptoms. In some cases, internal organs such as the liver and spleen may also swell. In the further course, disorders of the nervous system and the hormonal balance occur, and the urogenital tract is also affected. As a result of the tumor disease, the immune system is also weakened, with fungal and viral infections, tuberculosis and paraneoplastic syndromes predominating.
Last but not least, alcohol pain is also associated with skin diseases such as pemphigus and ichthyosis and sensory, motor and autonomic neuropathies. The nerve damage can in turn lead to further illnesses, autoimmune damage and other complications. Due to the multitude of complications that can be associated with alcohol pain, an early examination by a doctor is recommended. The underlying disease, Hodgkin's disease, promises high chances of recovery if diagnosed early.
When should you go to the doctor?
Alcohol pain should always be clarified by a doctor. However, it should first be clarified whether it is actually alcohol pain caused by the lymph gland disease Hodgkin. If the pain occurs predominantly in the shoulder and neck area and is accompanied by unusual skin symptoms such as itching or paleness, it is probably the disease - a visit to a doctor is urgently recommended in this case.
Even if the pain can be observed specifically after consuming alcoholic beverages, there may be a serious cause that requires clarification. The same applies if the symptoms appear suddenly or if they get worse quickly. The general rule is: if there is a connection with alcohol consumption, a doctor must clarify the symptoms.
If left untreated, the underlying Hodgkin's disease can lead to serious side effects. A doctor should also be seen if there is swelling in the armpit or neck, or accompanied by night sweats and rapid weight loss. Reduced performance, spleen and liver swelling as well as itching or redness are further warning signs.
In the event of severe pain in the neck and shoulder region, possibly accompanied by dizziness and motor disorders, an emergency doctor should be alerted immediately. The underlying disease promises a high chance of recovery if it is diagnosed early. If you suffer from alcoholism, you should generally consult a doctor.
Doctors & therapists in your area
Treatment & Therapy
Performs one that is noticed over and over again for weeks Alcohol pain to the doctor, he will first take a detailed anamnesis, i.e. ask questions about the circumstances of the pain, other complaints and previous illnesses and possible cancers in the family.
The physical examination then focuses primarily on the usual suspicious lymph node stations on the neck, groin and axilla as well as on the liver, spleen and skin manifestations.
Since lymph node swellings are not always detectable in almost 90 percent of cases, a blood test can then be made to look for changes in the number of blood cells and increased inflammation values.
If all of this is normal, Hodgkin's disease becomes very unlikely. The decision for further imaging diagnostics such as a CT of the chest is necessary in individual cases, depending on the anamnesis and previous findings.
The clear evidence of Hodgkin's lymphoma can only be obtained through a biopsy, i.e. the removal of tissue from a suspicious lymph node.
Hogdkin's disease is treated with extensive chemotherapy and is often also irradiated. Incidentally, it was one of the first cancers for which treatment was available. Accordingly, medical research has come a long way so that the once incurable Hodgkin can now be treated with good results.
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➔ Medicines against swelling of the lymph nodesOutlook & forecast
The prognosis for alcohol pain is strongly related to the underlying cause. If Hodgkin's disease is actually present, the outlook without medical treatment is very poor, and four out of five people die within the first three years of being diagnosed. With adequate treatment, however, the prognosis is very good and around eighty percent of those affected can be cured. If the disease is diagnosed at a very early stage, cure rates of over ninety percent can be achieved.
If the reason for the alcohol pain is an allergy or an intolerance, the person affected may have to refrain from alcohol for life and is thus somewhat restricted in his quality of life. However, a reduction in life expectancy or further problems are not to be expected. So the view is very good in this case.
Other causes of alcohol pain are very rare. In such cases, it is best to consult the responsible doctor for a prognosis.
prevention
However, starting treatment early is very important for the chances of success. So if you notice pain in certain parts of the body after drinking wine or beer, you should talk to your doctor about it at least once.
You can do that yourself
Since alcohol pain is a symptom of a severe lymph gland disease, usually only going to the doctor for treatment. Those affected can at least reduce the symptoms by avoiding alcohol and other luxury foods. By eating a diet rich in raw foods, there is also the possibility of purifying the lymph vessels and thus relieving pain.
In addition to treating the causative Hodgkin's disease, it is advisable to change your lifestyle and eating habits. The change, which should be discussed in advance with the attending physician, includes regular exercise, avoiding unhealthy food, and reducing stress. The underlying alcohol disorder can be treated through avoidance strategies and gradually dealt with through conversations with friends and family members.
In everyday life, alcohol pain can be alleviated by a wide variety of home remedies. Natural pain relievers include cloves, olive oil and cumin tea, but also a relaxing bath, the use of saline solutions or a hot water bottle in the area of the lymph nodes. In the short term, exercise and distraction can also reduce pain. In the long term, alcohol pain and its cause always require professional treatment by a doctor.
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