By Torben Haugaard Jensen, AAU Communication and Public Affairs
Photo: Colourbox

Smoking is traditionally the big culprit when we talk about lung diseases. But tobacco is not the only issue, because large amounts of alcohol can also damage the lungs.

This is shown in a new study on the association between alcohol consumption and respiratory symptoms such as shortness of breath and chronic cough, conducted by researchers from AAU and Aalborg University Hospital in collaboration with Lund University in Sweden.

In the study, the researchers analyse data from the CArdioPulmonary bioImage Study (SCAPIS) which contains information on more than 30,000 people age 50-64 years. Eleven percent of the people have harmful alcohol consumption.

The study on the link between alcohol and respiratory symptoms is one of the largest ever done. And it addresses an under-explored topic.

Because while the harmful effect of alcohol on the heart and liver is well documented, the effect on the lungs is not.

Special patient group is particularly vulnerable

Behind the new study is Line Bjerrehave Nielsen, PhD. in pulmonary medicine at the Department of Clinical Medicine, AAU, and the Pulmonary Medicine Research Unit, Aalborg University Hospital.

She sees an association between an increased incidence of shortness of breath and chronic cough and alcohol consumption at a level that is considered harmful by the World Health Organization (WHO).

People with reduced lung function (CAL) generally had more respiratory symptoms, and the association between alcohol consumption and symptoms was most evident in this group.

"If you have bad lungs and drink a lot, the risk of shortness of breath is 37 percent higher than if you your alcohol consumption is low. And the risk of chronic cough is as much as 46 percent higher," says Line Bjerrehave Nielsen.

The association must be brought to light

According to Line Bjerrehave, alcohol is still a relatively taboo subject that doctors do not consistently ask about during consultations with lung patients. Line Bjerrehave hopes that the new knowledge can change this.

At the same time, she points out that medical research on lungs has not considered the negative effect of alcohol on the lungs.

But the new research changes this picture.

"Several biological mechanisms can potentially contribute to the development of symptoms. But our theory is that alcohol can damage the cilia in the lungs which remove mucus, and cause irritation and chronic cough. At the same time, alcohol can increase the risk of infections and inflammation, and this can cause shortness of breath," says Line Bjerrehave Nielsen.

Not meant to scare healthy people

In the overall study group, high alcohol consumption was associated with an increased incidence of cough and shortness of breath. It was also seen among people without proven CAL or reduced lung function, but the effect was most evident in those with reduced lung function.

Does this mean that you should stay away from alcohol, even if you do not suffer from reduced lung function – just to be safe?

According to Line Bjerrehave Nielsen, the answer is no.

The association between alcohol and symptoms of airway restriction is most pronounced in lung patients with decidedly harmful alcohol consumption.

"Our research draws attention to the fact that alcohol can affect the health of lung patients. We are not out to prevent healthy people from enjoying a glass of red wine," says Line Bjerrehave Nielsen.

Translated by LeeAnn Iovanni, AAU Communication and Public Affairs