Alcohol Allergies: Symptoms, Signs, and Treatment for Reactions
They may also discuss possible medications for their reactions, such as antihistamines. As a person ages, certain health conditions or medications may mean they have different reactions to alcohol than they previously did. Certain events in a person’s life or lifestyle factors could also trigger an intolerance. Tolerance results from drinking substantial amounts of alcohol over long periods of time. If a person develops a mild intolerance to alcohol or an ingredient in beverages, they may be able to manage it themselves simply by avoiding or limiting alcohol or certain drinks. Alcohol intolerance may cause a person to experience immediate reactions after they drink alcohol, or they may develop it hours after, the day after, or even later in life.
Health Challenges
- Some people may even have reactions to grapes or corn used to make wine and distilled liquors.
- Because acetaldehyde is toxic and carcinogenic (causing cancer), avoiding alcohol altogether is the only option that medical professionals will recommend.
- Talk with your doctor before taking any medications to help prevent allergic symptoms from alcohol.
- While most people can tolerate sulfites in foods, there are some who are especially sensitive to them and may experience an asthma attack.
- Some people may find relief with diamine oxidase (DAO) supplements, which may assist your body in breaking down histamines.
It’s normal to get sick or experience unpleasant symptoms after drinking too much alcohol. But if you experience odd reactions to alcohol after just a drink or two, your body may be intolerant. If you and alcohol don’t mix well, consider whether you’ve experienced the following alcohol intolerance symptoms.
Do I Need Medical Attention for Alcohol Intolerance?
Even if your parents don’t have the condition, they can pass it to you. The process of detoxification involves various bodily systems, particularly the liver and kidneys, which play a vital role in filtering and excreting toxins. The body may also eliminate substances through sweat, urine, and breath. Alcohol abuse and addiction can make every aspect of your life more challenging. It can cause significant, life-threatening harm to your health and emotional well-being.
Prevention
Alcohol intolerance happens when the body doesn’t have the right enzymes to metabolize (break down) the toxins in the alcoholic beverage. It’s caused by inherited or genetic traits that are commonly found in the Asian population, says Parker. Data is limited, says Park, but a small 2012 study published in DA International found that about 7.2% of 4,000 participants were intolerant to wine and alcohol. In this article, we’ll explain the difference between alcohol intolerance and allergy, as well as the causes, symptoms and treatment. Depending on whether a person has an alcohol allergy or intolerance, they may need to avoid alcohol entirely.
Alcohol allergies quiz
The primary cause of alcohol intolerance is a genetic condition that affects the body’s ability to metabolize alcohol efficiently. One of the key enzymes involved in alcohol metabolism is aldehyde dehydrogenase 2 (ALDH2). In some cases, over-the-counter or prescribed medications might help alleviate symptoms. In most cases, people with alcohol intolerance must simply avoid drinking alcohol or specific types of alcoholic beverages. Alcohol intolerance is distinctly different from having a lower tolerance for alcohol’s intoxicating effects, although the two are often confused. Individuals with alcohol intolerance are genetically predisposed to have inadequate amounts of the enzyme needed to metabolize alcohol efficiently.
Genetic Contributions to Alcohol Intolerance
- Alcohol intolerance is a condition that is often misunderstood yet significantly impacts the lives of those affected by it.
- While rare, people with grape allergies should avoid wine and grape-based liquors, including brandy.
- Prior to developing COVID-19, she could comfortably consume alcohol.
- Taking Pepcid before drinking is a popular strategy for preventing the alcohol flush reaction.
If you’re wondering how to prevent a stuffy nose after drinking, try drinking water before, during, and after consuming alcohol. Hydration may help alleviate this symptom, but it won’t eliminate your stuffiness completely. The nickname what causes alcohol intolerance “Asian glow” comes from the prevalence of alcohol intolerance among East Asians.
Symptoms
A 2023 study found that individuals with CFS are more likely to experience alcohol intolerance. While there is no way to treat this condition, your healthcare provider can talk with you about ways to reduce the negative effects of alcohol intolerance. Alcohol flushing syndrome is a major sign of alcohol intolerance. Your face, neck and chest become warm and pink or red right after you drink alcohol. People of East Asian descent are more likely to have the inherited genetic mutation that causes alcohol intolerance, so they develop the condition at higher rates.