Chronic Alcoholism and Pneumonia

It is well known that chronic heavy drinking will eventually wreak havoc on the body. Specifically, most people are aware that untreated alcoholism ultimately leads to serious liver disease and failure. Other known health risks associated with alcoholism include pancreatitis, heart disease, dementia and brain damage, some cancers, and gastrointestinal conditions. One serious health concern related to alcoholism that is not so well known is the increased risk of developing pneumonia.

A study conducted in Denmark discovered that men who consumed more than 35 alcoholic drinks per week were much more likely to contract lung infection, or pneumonia, than men who abstained from alcohol, and once they did have pneumonia their mortality rate was 64.5% versus a 20% mortality rate among patients without an alcohol use disorder. Apparently, there is a correlation between chronic alcoholism and pneumonia.

An interesting bit of data revealed that women who were regular drinkers did not differ in their risk of pneumonia from women who did not drink. The mortality rate between the groups was no different. For some reason the increased risk of lung infection was only seen in alcoholic men, not women.

What is Pneumonia?

Pneumonia is basically an infection, viral, bacterial, or fungal, that has settled in the pockets of the lungs. As the air sacs of the lungs fill with fluid, difficulty breathing will result. Pneumonia can range in severity from mild to life-threatening, and is the sixth most common cause of death. Symptoms of pneumonia include:

• Excessive coughing
• Coughing up phlegm or mucous
• Chest pain while breathing
• Extreme fatigue
• Nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea
• Shortness of breath
• Low body temperature
• Mental confusion

Factors Attributed to Chronic Alcoholism and Pneumonia

It may seem a far stretch to claim a risk between chronic alcoholism and pneumonia. However, there are several very logical reasons why someone who abuses alcohol on a regular basis might put their lung health at risk. These include:

• A reduced immune response in the lungs
• An increased risk of aspirating on gastric acid
• Increase inflammation in the lungs
• Lowered mucous clearance of bacteria out of the upper airways
• Microbes migrating from upper throat down to lungs due to reduced gag response or gagging on vomit

How Much is Too Much Alcohol Intake?

The Centers for Disease Control have established guidelines for monitoring alcohol intake. For reference, a “drink” refers to a 12-ounce beer, 5 ounces of wine, 1.5 ounces of spirits, or 8 ounces of malt liquor. These guidelines include:

Moderate drinking. Moderate drinking is defined as women having one drink per day and men having two drinks per day

Heavy drinking. Excessive drinking is defined as women drinking 8 or more drinks per week and men having 15 or more drinks per week.

Signs of Alcohol Addiction

Alcoholism can creep up on someone slowly as tolerance to its effects increases, leading to incrementally higher levels of consumption to experience the relaxing effects desired. But, as with all substances of abuse, as the body assimilates increased amounts of alcohol, brain chemistry changes accordingly and over time addiction can develop. Some signs of alcoholism include:

• Drinking increasing amounts of alcohol; drinking daily
• Wanting to cut back or stop drinking but cannot
• Lying to others about how much alcohol is being consumed
• Hiding a stash of alcohol in the house
• Engaging in risky behavior, such as driving under the influence
• Problems in relationships; neglecting family responsibilities
• Work performance suffering
• Cognitive problems
• Obsessing about when one can drink again; arranging one’s life around drinking
• Changes in appearance, such as bloated face, distended gut, redness in eyes, ruddy complexion, weight gain or loss, lack of interest in personal hygiene
• Experience withdrawal symptoms if alcohol is withheld

Integrated Treatment for Alcoholism

Many people are simply unable to rein in their problem drinking, even though they may sincerely desire to stop. The grip of alcoholism is extremely powerful, both on a physical and psychological level. For this reason, getting professional help is the only effective means of overcoming an alcohol addiction.

Beginning with a residential detox, the individual will proceed through a 5-7 day period of detoxification where the body will purge the toxins from the bloodstream and bodily tissues. Withdrawal symptoms are often harsh, but these can be treated during the residential detox program.

After detox is successfully completed, an integrated treatment protocol will help the individual change their self-destructive reflexive habits and thought-behavior patterns. Also, any underlying emotional issues that might be driving the alcohol abuse will be examined and processed so true healing can begin. Group therapy and 12-step recovery groups offer the peer support that is so important in recovery. In addition, holistic activities, such as mindfulness meditation, yoga, and art therapy help individuals further explore their emotions while in treatment. 

Capo By the Sea Provides Comprehensive Treatment for Alcoholism

Capo By the Sea is a full service luxury addiction recovery program located in Orange County, California. Nestled in a quiet beach community, Capo By the Sea offers premium accommodations and a wide array of services in addition to the highest standard of addiction recovery treatment modalities available. If you are concerned about chronic alcoholism and pneumonia or any other serious health risk, please get the help you need. Call Capo By the Sea today at (888) 529-2114.