High-intensity drinking is worse than binge drinking. But what exactly does it mean? High intensity is defined as consuming an excessive number of drinks in one session: eight or more for women and ten or more for men.

While binge drinking is characterized by having four or five drinks within two hours.

This distinction emerged as researchers noticed that many of the severe consequences associated with binge drinking—like blackouts and alcohol poisoning—were linked to much higher levels of alcohol intake.

Who are the most at risk?

Heavy drinking habits, formerly associated with youth, are changing. Recent studies show that, while high-intensity drinking has decreased among young adults, it is still common among those in their late twenties. Almost one out of every eight people aged 27 to 28 consume 10 or more drinks every session.

Middle-aged individuals are drinking more heavily. It is more prominent in males over 30 and women aged 18 to 64.

The trend can be seen where the middle-aged uses alcohol as a tool to cope with the day-to-day life, whereas for youth, it is to have fun and to explore the adult life.

Risks and Consequences

High-intensity drinking carries a greater risk than regular binge drinking. It is because when you consume such large volumes of alcohol in such a short period of time, it can boost blood alcohol concentration (BAC) to dangerous levels, usually exceeding 0.2%, as opposed to 0.08% for ordinary binge drinking.

This high BAC level increases the risk of disastrous effects, including:

• Injuries and Accidents
• Alcohol Poisoning
• Blackouts
• Hospitalizations

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Moreover, repeated high-intensity drinking significantly raises the risk of developing alcohol use disorder and contributes to broader societal harms such as relationship issues, property damage, and physical assaults.

Why is there a change in drinking patterns?

The reason why one opts for high-intensity drinking patterns varies by age. For youth, it is mostly peer pressure and seeking fun. However it does have its own downsides.

For middle-aged and older adults, stress, life pressures, and emotional coping mechanisms are more common drivers. However, studies have shown that alcohol does not help you cope with stress. These motivations highlight the evolving role of alcohol as a tool for both celebration and self-medication, depending on the stage of life.

The Need for Greater Awareness

The rise of high-intensity drinking underscores the importance of addressing its unique dangers. While binge drinking is risky, consuming eight or more drinks exponentially increases the likelihood of harm. Experts emphasize that the “dose makes the poison,” and this extreme form of alcohol use deserves heightened attention.

By understanding the motivations and risks associated with high-intensity drinking, individuals can make informed decisions and seek support if needed, particularly during festive seasons that often encourage overindulgence.

Standing up suddenly from your bed, sofa or chair can sometimes cause a brief “head rush”, you may feel light-headed, notice your vision dimming, feel weak or even slightly unsteady. While this can feel alarming, there is a simple physiological explanation for why it happens.

When you stand up, gravity causes some of your blood to temporarily move towards your legs and abdomen. This reduces the amount of blood returning to the heart. Within seconds, the autonomic nervous system usually steps in by tightening the blood vessels and adjusting the heart rate to maintain blood pressure and ensure enough blood reaches the brain.

When A Sudden Drop In Blood Pressure Becomes A Concern

A brief drop in blood pressure during this transition can be normal. However, if the drop is too significant or the body is unable to compensate properly, it can lead to dizziness, blurred vision, weakness and, in some cases, fainting. Orthostatic hypotension is clinically defined as a sustained fall in systolic blood pressure of at least 20 mmHg or diastolic blood pressure of at least 10 mmHg within three minutes of standing.

Several factors can contribute to this, including dehydration, heat, prolonged inactivity, blood loss and medications that lower blood pressure. Recurrent episodes can also be linked to problems with the autonomic nervous system, including autonomic involvement in Parkinson’s disease and other neurodegenerative disorders.

Also read: The Silent Killer: Why More Indians Need To Pay Attention To Liver Cancer

How To Prevent The Head Rush And When To Seek Help

One simple precaution is to avoid changing positions too quickly, especially after lying down for several hours. Sitting on the edge of the bed for a few moments before standing gives the cardiovascular system time to adjust. Moving your feet or tightening your leg muscles before getting up may also help improve blood flow back to the heart. If you start feeling dizzy, it is safer to sit or lie down rather than trying to walk through it.

An occasional, very brief episode may simply be the body’s normal response to a sudden change in posture. However, frequent episodes, fainting, falls, palpitations or persistent dizziness should not be ignored and warrant medical assessment, particularly in older adults or people taking multiple medications.

Dr Sachin Adukia Sr Consultant M.B.B.S., MD (General Medicine), DNB (Neurology), LH Hiranandani Hospital

Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), commonly known as acid reflux, occurs when stomach contents flow backward into the esophagus, causing heartburn, regurgitation, chest discomfort, and sometimes chronic cough or hoarseness. This happens because the lower esophageal sphincter (LES), a muscle that normally prevents backflow, becomes weak or relaxes inappropriately, allowing acid to irritate the food pipe repeatedly. If left untreated, persistent reflux can lead to inflammation (esophagitis), ulcers, scarring, and in rare cases, pre-cancerous changes known as Barrett’s esophagus.

The global prevalence of GERD has been increasing in recent years, with around 14 % of adults worldwide affected according to recent meta-analyses. In India, community studies show notable rates, with higher prevalence in urban populations compared to rural areas and estimates ranging from about 8 % in some regions to higher figures in cities, reflecting shifting lifestyles. In Kolkata, according to Dr. Pradipta Sethy, Director, Gastroenterology, Manipal Hospital, EM Bypass and Mukundupur, the major patients are women, mostly pre-menopausal and menopausal, between the ages of 30-55 years. This rise can be attributed to several interconnected lifestyle and environmental factors.

One major contributor is dietary change. Traditional diets rich in fiber and whole foods are increasingly replaced by high-calorie, processed, and high-fat foods, along with frequent consumption of spicy and fried items. These foods can relax the LES and increase gastric acid production, making reflux more likely. In addition, habitual late-night meals followed by lying down soon after eating are common in urban settings and further promote reflux episodes.

Obesity and sedentary lifestyles are also important risk factors. Excess abdominal fat increases pressure on the stomach, forcing acid upward into the esophagus. Many adults with GERD in India and globally have overweight or central obesity, a trend growing alongside reduced physical activity. Stress and irregular eating patterns that accompany modern work life are additional contributors, often exacerbating symptoms and prompting unhealthy habits like caffeine or alcohol use, both of which can aggravate acid reflux.

Thankfully, GERD can often be managed effectively through simple lifestyle modifications. Eating smaller, more frequent meals and avoiding known trigger foods such as citrus fruits, chocolate, caffeine, and high-fat foods can reduce reflux episodes. Waiting 2–3 hours after eating before lying down and elevating the head of the bed during sleep helps keep acid in the stomach by using gravity to support digestion. Maintaining a healthy weight through regular physical activity reduces abdominal pressure, while quitting smoking and limiting alcohol intake supports LES function and esophageal health. Managing stress with techniques such as meditation or yoga further helps control symptoms by improving overall digestive function.

In conclusion, the rise of GERD in India mirrors global trends driven largely by dietary shifts, obesity, and modern lifestyle pressures. While medication is valuable for many patients, sustainable improvements often begin with these evidence-based lifestyle changes that address the root causes of acid reflux and improve long-term digestive health.

Rashes are common in children and can occur for many reasons. Most are harmless and settle on their own, but some may need medical attention. Knowing the warning signs can help parents decide when home care is enough and when to consult a doctor.

Why Do Rashes Happen?

Children’s skin is sensitive and can react to heat, friction, allergens, insect bites, irritants or infections. Common causes include heat rash, eczema, contact dermatitis, insect bites and viral infections such as chickenpox, hand-foot-and-mouth disease and roseola.

A rash can look worrying, but the child’s overall condition is often as important as the appearance of the rash itself.

When Home Care May Be Enough

If your child is active, reasonably comfortable, feeding and drinking well, and otherwise appears well, a mild rash can often be managed at home.

Home care may be appropriate when the rash:

• Is mild and limited to a small area
• Is not spreading quickly
• Causes only mild itching or discomfort
• Occurs without concerning symptoms
• Looks consistent with a known condition such as heat rash or eczema

Avoid applying multiple creams, powders, antiseptics or home remedies, as these may irritate the skin or make the rash harder to assess. Medicines or steroid creams should not be used without medical advice. Your paediatrician can recommend suitable treatment based on your child’s age, weight and the likely cause of the rash.

When Should You See a Doctor?

Seek medical advice if your child has:

• A rash with fever, particularly if the child appears unwell, unusually sleepy, less responsive or is becoming progressively worse
• A red or purple rash that does not fade or become lighter when pressed firmly with a clear glass, especially if the child has fever or appears unwell
• A rapidly spreading rash
• Large blisters, peeling skin or a painful/tender rash
• Signs of a secondary skin infection, such as increasing redness, warmth, swelling, pain or pus
• A new or unexplained rash in a newborn or young infant, especially if accompanied by fever, poor feeding or unusual sleepiness
• Unusual sleepiness, weakness, poor feeding or reduced drinking
• A rash that is getting worse, keeps recurring or does not improve with appropriate home care

Seek Emergency Care Immediately If

A rash is accompanied by:

• Difficulty breathing or swallowing
• Swelling of the lips, mouth, face or tongue
• Extreme sleepiness, marked weakness or a child who is difficult to wake
• Rapid deterioration in the child’s overall condition
• A concerning non-fading red or purple rash in a child who appears unwell

What Parents Should Remember

Most childhood rashes are temporary and harmless. However, it is important to look beyond the rash itself.

Note when the rash started, where it first appeared, whether it is spreading and whether your child has fever or other symptoms. A photo of the rash can also help your paediatrician understand how it has changed over time.

Trust your instincts. If your child seems unusually unwell, is getting worse or something simply does not feel right, it is always better to seek medical advice rather than waiting.

A Simple Rule for Parents

Home care may be enough if your child is well, active and comfortable. Seek medical attention if the rash is accompanied by significant illness, rapid worsening or any warning signs.

By Dr Navin Bhatia, Senior Consultant & HOD – Paediatrics & PICU, PB Health