Alcohol and the lung also is adversely affected by alcohol abuse, a fact often overlooked by clinicians and the public. Individuals with AUD are more likely to develop pneumonia, tuberculosis (TB), respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) infection, and acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS). Increased susceptibility to these and other pulmonary infections is caused by impaired immune responses in people with AUD. The key immune cells involved in combating pulmonary conditions such as pneumonia, TB, RSV infection, and ARDS are neutrophils, lymphocytes, alveolar macrophages, and the cells responsible for innate immune responses.
Researchers are only now beginning to understand how alcohol affects these cells and how these effects contribute to the pathophysiology of pulmonary diseases in people with AUD.
Thank you so much for pointing this out to us all.I truly wish I'd been taught this at school by someone like you.Seeing adults using alcohol,made me decide not to drink it then.Sadly,I succumbed a little,later in life.I have IPF.Your article has made me decide to try to stop drinking alcohol again.🤔
A Very interesting post, but like smoking , many people know the damage it could cause, but still choose to partake.
However, if this research has shown a detrimental link between alcohol and lung disease, more should be done to inform Joe Public, so they can make an informed decision.
Hi Jeff, the articles in the link are very interesting. Alcohol effects the whole body which many people are not aware of not least some of the medics. On the plus side new doctors are more aware. The lungs are effected by many things besides what we breathe in. Even things like painkillers can cause other defects to your body too. Hence the reason some people prefer herbal remedies. You seem to like investigating how our bodies work and are effected, plus interactions, me too so keep the info coming. Health is not a perfect science and genetics have a lot to answer for too. Happy New Year to you, take care
Interesting reading. Whilst I am not medically qualified to make meaningful comments. From my own experience alchol and wheezing, tight chest and croaky voice seem to me to be happy bed-fellows.
Whilst not giving up alchol altogether what works for me is glass of alchol followed by glass of water. Dehydration caused by alcohol is I believe a big factor. More especially if you have any sort of heart condition.
Wishing all on this site a very healthy and peaceful 2017.
Yes Jeff, but as Frank Sinatra said, "I feel sorry for those of you who don't drink, because when you get up in the morning, that's the best you're gonna' feel for the rest of the day".
I've been having a nice few bottles of wine over Christmas and I think I've felt better in myself more relaxed kinda sorry the season is over and back to normal tomorrow
Content on HealthUnlocked does not replace the relationship between you and doctors or other healthcare professionals nor the advice you receive from them.
Never delay seeking advice or dialling emergency services because of something that you have read on HealthUnlocked.