Alcohol and Bronchiectasis: Is There a Risk?
Whether it’s a glass of wine, a pint of beer, or a tumbler of your favorite whiskey, drinking alcohol is often a staple at social gatherings and something most people enjoy doing to help relax.
Many of us are aware of the health concerns surrounding excessive alcohol use, but did you know that, even in moderation1, alcohol can affect your health, especially as we age?
Research continues to show that women are at a higher risk of developing breast cancer from moderate alcohol use2, and even having one drink can increase your blood pressure.3
Alcohol and Our Lungs
Consuming alcohol is a lifestyle choice that affects every part of your body, including your lungs. So, if someone has a chronic lung condition like bronchiectasis, will alcohol make symptoms worse?
In this article, we’ll discuss research on the effects of alcohol on the lungs, both when consumed excessively and in moderation. We’ll also explore how this may affect your ability to manage bronchiectasis symptoms and what alternatives are available to help you avoid triggers that may exacerbate your condition.
Bronchiectasis and Mucus Production
Before we dive in, let’s first review what bronchiectasis is and how it impacts our lung health.
Bronchiectasis is a chronic lung condition characterized by the abnormal widening and scarring of the bronchial tubes. This type of damage makes it difficult for lungs to mobilize. As a result, you may be unable to clear mucus buildup in the airways effectively, causing respiratory inflammation and infections that make breathing difficult.
With each cycle of infection, the lungs become repeatedly damaged. Other symptoms of bronchiectasis can include:
- Coughing
- Wheezing
- Shortness of breath
- Chest pain
- Fatigue
Alcohol and Mucus Production
Alcohol, like caffeine, can cause you to cough up phlegm.4 Phlegm is a type of mucus produced in your lungs and throat, specifically by the mucous membranes that line the airways in the lungs.5
It’s often a thick, sticky substance that can vary in color, ranging from clear to yellow and green, depending on its underlying cause.
Excess Mucus After Drinking Alcohol
Alcohol consumption can cause excessive mucus production, which is already a trigger that can worsen bronchiectasis symptoms. Additionally, frequent alcohol use can decrease your body’s immune system to fight off bacteria and airborne respiratory illnesses.6
Since patients with bronchiectasis already have a weakened immune system7 it’s essential to avoid environmental and lifestyle factors that leave you vulnerable to developing other infections and illnesses that could cause symptoms to flare up.
There are a few reasons why some people may experience excessive mucus after drinking alcohol.
- For one thing, certain alcoholic beverages contain substances called histamines and sulfites.8 If you have asthma, for example, consuming alcohol may trigger an allergic reaction that results in a variety of symptoms including lung inflammation, shortness of breath, wheezing, and mucus buildup in the airways.9
- On the other hand, heavy alcohol consumption can impair the function of cilia, which are tiny hair-like structures that line the airways and help move mucus and other debris out of the lungs. Known as alcohol-induced ciliary dysfunction,10 this impairment can lead to a buildup of mucus and other particles, which can increase the risk of respiratory infections and other lung problems.
- Finally, alcohol has a dehydrating effect on the body,11 which can have many consequences, including increased thickness of airway mucus.
Why Do I Cough After Drinking?
Coughing after drinking alcohol (or sometimes referred to as alcohol cough) may result from a few potential cultrips.
One possible explanation is that alcohol can cause irritation in the throat and airways, triggering your coughing relief.
As mentioned earlier, alcohol can increase the production of mucus in the airways, leading to coughing as your body tries to clear the excess mucus.
In some cases, coughing after drinking alcohol may also be a sign of an underlying condition, such as asthma or acid reflux, due to alcohol causing inflammation in the gut.12
Other Lung Issues
Heavy alcohol consumption can cause several lung diseases to develop, including13:
- Acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS)
- Respiratory syncytial Virus (RSV)
- Pneumonia
- Tuberculosis
Based on the findings of the National Institute of Health, excessive alcohol consumption can decrease the levels of a protective antioxidant called “glutathione” that usually safeguards the smaller air passages of the lungs from oxidative harm.14
Simply put, heavy alcohol intake can increase your lungs’ risk of developing severe injury and illness.15
If you’re living with bronchiectasis or other chronic lung conditions, talk to your clinician about limiting your alcohol usage or avoiding it altogether.
Healthy Alternatives to Alcoholic Drinks
Family gatherings or friendly meetups can create social pressures to drink, but there are a few healthy swaps you can try that ensure you replace alcohol with ingredients that are beneficial to your lungs.
Remember to consult your clinician before changing your diet, as some foods may not be recommended if you’re taking certain medications.
Blueberry Lemonade
Blueberry is rich in antioxidants that promote lung health while lemon juice helps to reduce inflammation.
Pineapple Mint Sparkling Water
Pineapple is packed with bromelain, which can help reduce airway inflammation, while mint helps with breathing and reduces inflammation.
Beet and Berry Mix
Beetroot has anti-inflammatory properties and is high in nitrates, which can improve lung function. Berries are loaded with antioxidants that are good for lung health.
Watermelon and Cucumber Water
Watermelon contains lycopene, an antioxidant that is good for lung health. Cucumber is also rich in antioxidants and anti-inflammatory compounds.
Carrot Ginger Smoothie
Carrots are rich in vitamin A, which is essential for lung health, while ginger helps to reduce inflammation and improve breathing.
Remember to Stay Active, Too
Staying active and drinking plenty of water can be incredibly beneficial for your lungs and may help you feel less likely to indulge in alcohol regularly.
When you exercise, for example, your breathing rate increases, helping to circulate air throughout your lungs and improve their overall function. Additionally, drinking water keeps your mucus membranes moist, which is essential for proper lung function.
Stay Connected
For more tips on lung health, remember to browse our blogs for research and news on bronchiectasis!
Resources:
[1] Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. “Dietary Guidelines for Alcohol.” Retrieved from https://www.cdc.gov/alcohol/fact-sheets/moderate-drinking.htm
[2] American Cancer Society. “Alcohol Use and Cancer.” Retrieved from https://www.cancer.org/cancer/risk-prevention/diet-physical-activity/alcohol-use-and-cancer.html
[3] American Heart Association. “Even just 1 alcoholic drink a day may increase blood pressure.” Retrieved from https://www.heart.org/en/news/2023/07/31/even-just-1-alcoholic-drink-a-day-may-increase-blood-pressure
[4] Cleveland Clinic. “Coughing Up Phlegm.” Retrieved from https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/symptoms/24636-coughing-up-phlegm
[5] American Lung Association. “Understanding Mucus in the Lungs.” Retrieved from https://www.lung.org/blog/lungs-mucus
[6] Canadian Centre on Substance Use and Addition. “Alcohol and the Immune System: 4 Things You Should Know.” Retrieved from https://www.ccsa.ca/sites/default/files/2020-05/CCSA-COVID-19-Alcohol-Immune-System-Infographic-2020-en.pdf
[7] National Library of Medicine. “The Role of the Immune Response in the Pathogenesis of Bronchiectasis.” Retrieved from https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5878907/
[8] Asthma and Lung UK. “Alcohol and Asthma.” Retrieved from https://www.asthmaandlung.org.uk/conditions/asthma/asthma-triggers/alcohol
[9] Asthma and Allergy Foundation of America. “Asthma Signs and Symptoms.” Retrieved from https://aafa.org/asthma/asthma-symptoms/
[10] National Library of Medicine. “Alcohol-induced ciliary dysfunction targets the outer dynein arm.” Retrieved from https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4360061/
[11] Medical News Today. “Does Alcohol Dehydrate You?” Retrieved from https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/does-alcohol-dehydrate-you
[12] Medical News Today. “What to know about alcohol and GERD.” Retrieved from https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/alcohol-and-gerd
[13] Medical News Today. “What are the signs of alcohol-related lung disease?” Retrieved from https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/signs-of-alcoholic-lung-disease
[14] National Institute of Health. “Alcohol-Induced Oxidative Stress and the Role of Antioxidants in Alcohol Use Disorder: A Systematic Review. ” Retrieved from https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC9311529/
[15] Medical News Today. “What are the signs of alcohol-related lung disease?” Retrieved from https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/signs-of-alcoholic-lung-disease#alcohol-and-the-lungs
