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The prolonged confinement that the pandemic has generated motivated the Chilean Association of Hepatology (Achhep), a subsidiary of the Chilean Society of Gastroenterology (SChGE), to carry out studies. They warn of an increase in the consumption of alcohol in the home, representing a series of risks for health and interpersonal relationships.
Although the physical / social isolation and quarantine measures implemented in the different regions of the world have had a clear effect on the process of “flattening” the epidemiological curve, this has also caused an increase in other problems.
They point out among them the psychiatric disorders; intra-family violence; initiation, maintenance or exacerbation of addictions, including an increase in alcohol consumption.
The effects of alcohol
It is known that the daily consumption of more than 1 drink of alcohol (equivalent to 1 can of beer, 50cc of distillate or a glass of 150cc of wine) in women and more than 2 drinks in men, or the consumption of more than 4 drinks in a single occasion in women or more than 5 in the case of men, it is associated with a large number of health consequences.
These occur both in the short and long term. The consequences are mainly associated with cardiovascular disease, cancer, liver disease, accidents and violence in general.
Excessive alcohol consumption increases the risk of Acute Respiratory Distress Syndrome (ARDS), one of the most serious complications of Covid-19. Both combined, it could be lethal.
National figures
Epidemiological data show that Chile is currently among the 3 Latin American countries with the highest alcohol consumption (9.3 L / per capita), preceded by Uruguay and Argentina, which in turn is the main cause of cirrhosis.
There are numerous international studies that warn of the potential risk to public health of the use and abuse of alcohol in conditions of isolation, anxiety and stress. The context of sustained increase in consumption exposes you to a higher risk of developing alcoholic hepatitis, a highly lethal pathology as well.
Called
Dr. Leyla Nazal, President of the Achhep, called on the citizens to do it in a moderate and responsible way if they consume alcohol. “We want to emphasize the importance of abstinence in children under 18 years of age, pregnant women and patients with chronic diseases. Finally, insist that if necessary, you should not hesitate to ask for guidance and timely help,” he said.
Data from the organization:
- Alcohol has harmful effects, both short and long term, on almost every organ in your body. Overall, the evidence suggests that there is no “safe limit,” nor is there any benefit to consuming alcohol. In fact, the risk of harm to your health increases with each alcohol drink consumed.
- Drinking alcohol, especially abuse, weakens the immune system. Therefore, it reduces the ability to cope with infectious diseases.
- Alcohol, even in small amounts, is known to promote the development of certain types of cancer.
- Alcohol, even in small amounts, is a risk to the fetus at any time during pregnancy.
- Alcohol increases the risk of death and injury from traffic accidents, drowning, and falls.
- Excessive alcohol consumption increases the risk of Acute Respiratory Distress Syndrome (ARDS), one of the most serious complications of COVID-19.
- Free and confidential drug and alcohol phone # 1412
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