Naked Science Forum

Life Sciences => Physiology & Medicine => Topic started by: neilep on 20/06/2006 23:38:23

Title: A loss of voice when imbibing Alcohol !
Post by: neilep on 20/06/2006 23:38:23

Dearest Alcys,

I'm a tea totaller but we've all seen the scene on TV when someone takes a drink of a strong alcoholic beverage ...then they pull a face and their voice has gone except for a gasp of air !!...

...what's that all about ? and does it really happen ?...has it ever happened to you ?...I've never seen it happen amongst alcy loving peeps that I know...but there must be some truth to it yes ?..

..an explanation into the biology of it would be nice.

whajafink ?


Men are the same as women, just inside out !

Title: Re: A loss of voice when imbibing Alcohol !
Post by: ROBERT on 21/06/2006 18:14:30

My guess is that inhaling the vapour from a strong alcohol solution, (whisky is about 40% ethanol), coating the pharynx, is sufficient to remove the lubrication from the vocal chords, instantly causing a hoarse voice.

Heavy drinkers who take spirits do have hoarse voices.
The gravel voiced Keith Richards (of the Rolling Stones) is said to be keen on "Jack Daniels" whisky.
http://www.personal.psu.edu/users/c/z/czp108/example1.htm

Title: Re: A loss of voice when imbibing Alcohol !
Post by: Karen W. on 23/06/2006 15:15:09

Hey Neil there was one time I tried a small drink( a small gulp)  of This boot leg white lighting so to speak that my mother in law brought back from Arkansaw from her Uncles Still! Holly crude Just one sip absolutely took my breath away. The alchhol content was so High I could hardly breath. It made me choke and sputter, once I was able to get some air.WHEW! I 'll not ever do that again! It really can happen, but I think It is only with very strong liquior like you stated. This stuff was burning all the way down and up into my nostrills, sure clear your nose fast if you were sick, but I don't recommend it. I am not a drinker, so I am probably a whimp, but never again!!!...Karen

Title: Re: A loss of voice when imbibing Alcohol !
Post by: ROBERT on 23/06/2006 15:33:52

From personal experience I know that strong drink dehydrates tissues.
The day after the first, (and last), time I drank neat whisky, the skin on my lips dried up and peeled off like sunburn. [xx(]

Title: Re: A loss of voice when imbibing Alcohol !
Post by: neilep on 23/06/2006 16:17:32

THANK YOU Robert & Karen,

So, ti's true !....cheers !!

Men are the same as women, just inside out !