If I Have COPD, Can I Drink?
If you're wondering whether it's OK to have an occasional alcoholic drink, check with your health care provider. A small amount of alcohol--such as a single beer or glass of wine with dinner--is fine for some people. On the other hand, drinking too much alcohol is harmful for anyone. Among the health risks are liver disease, various cancers and high blood pressure. Drinking to excess may also increase your risk for falls and motor vehicle accidents.
If you have COPD, drinking alcohol may slow your breathing and make it harder to cough up mucus. Alcohol also fills you up without providing much in the way of nutrition. It may interact harmfully with certain medicines, such as oral steroids. If you choose to drink alcohol, be sure to discuss it first with your provider and to always drink in moderation. Experts recommend no more than two drinks a day for men and one drink a day for women and anyone older than 65.
Publication Source:
Staywell Publications/Fall 2006
Author:
Burgo, Kate
Online Source:
National Heart, Lung and Blood Institute
http://www.nhlbi.nih.gov/health/dci/Diseases/Copd/Copd_WhatIs.html
Online Source:
American Thoracic Society
http://www.lungusa.org/atf/cf/%7B7a8d42c2-fcca-4604-8ade-7f5d5e762256%7D/ALA_LDD08_COPD_FINAL.PDF
Online Source:
American College of Chest Physicians
http://chestjournal.chestpubs.org/content/134/4/761.full
Online Source:
National Lung Health Education Program
http://www.nlhep.org/lung_trtmnt.html
Online Editor:
Rachael Clarke
Online Editor:
Sara Foster RN MPH
Online Editor:
Sinovic, Dianna
Online Medical Reviewer:
Daphne Pierce-Smith, RN, MSN, FNP, CCRC
Online Medical Reviewer:
Godsey, Cynthia M.S., M.S.N., APRN
Online Medical Reviewer:
Lambert, J.G. M.D.
Online Medical Reviewer:
Lee Jenkins
Date Last Reviewed:
10/14/2009
Date Last Modified:
12/8/2009