Allergic reactions to alcohol can cause congestion, asthma, nausea, skin flushing, and a rapid heartbeat. Some people lack the enzyme needed to break down alcohol, while others may be reacting to ingredients in the drink. In rare cases, severe reactions such as anaphylactic shock can occur. Treatment may include antihistamines or carrying an epinephrine pen. The best way to avoid an allergic reaction is to avoid alcohol altogether.
Symptoms of an allergic reaction to alcohol include congestion or a runny nose, asthma, and nausea. An allergy to alcohol is also known as alcohol intolerance, as a person’s body is physically unable to break down alcohol. Other common signs of alcohol intolerance include reddening of the skin after drinking and a rapid heartbeat. Some people can experience migraines or have a life-threatening reaction to alcohol.
An apparent allergic reaction to alcohol can occur for a variety of reasons. A patient may actually be unable to break down alcohol due to a lack of the enzyme aldehyde dehydrogenase 2 (ALDH2), which metabolizes alcohol once it is ingested. ALDH2 deficiency is genetic and commonly found in people of Asian or Jewish descent.
Other people with alcohol intolerance may actually be reacting to something in the alcohol, not the chemical itself. Histamines, found in beer and wine, can trigger symptoms such as congestion. The sulfites in wine can trigger asthma. Some people may be allergic to grains used to make the drink, such as wheat or corn.
Red, red skin is a common sign of an allergic reaction to alcohol. Skin flushing usually occurs when a person lacks the ALDH2 enzyme. The skin may also feel warm and itchy. Other than red, hot skin, a person who lacks ALDH2 may have no other reactions to alcohol. While drinking alcohol may not do any real harm to an ALDH2-deficient person, some reports suggest that those with ALDH2 deficiency may have a higher risk of cancer if they continue to drink.
Other signs of an allergic reaction to alcohol are similar to a standard allergic reaction. Some people may get a runny nose or congestion right after drinking. Asthma can worsen due to alcohol intolerance. These reactions are more likely caused by the ingredients in the alcoholic beverages, not the alcohol itself.
In rare cases, a person may experience a severe reaction to alcohol, such as anaphylactic shock. If a person has difficulty breathing or feels swelling after drinking, he or she should go to the hospital for emergency treatment. The histamines found in alcohol can trigger migraines in some people after drinking.
Some reactions to alcohol can be treated with antihistamines, available over the counter. People who experience severe reactions to ingredients in alcoholic beverages may wish to carry around an epinephrine pen to quickly treat any reactions. The best way to avoid an allergic reaction to alcohol is to avoid drinking it altogether.
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