Alcohol allergy causes a rare toxic reaction to alcohol which can be fatal in some cases. Most of the time, what people consider an alcohol allergy is actually intolerance.
People can have an allergic reaction to certain ingredients in alcoholic beverages instead of the alcohol itself.
Someone who is truly allergic to alcohol should entirely avoid it. People who are intolerant to alcohol can still consume alcohol, but they will most likely encounter side effects. The reaction can come from something in the alcoholic beverage like grains, chemicals, or preservatives.
Aside from consulting with an allergy specialist, you can read this article to know more about what causes alcohol allergies and then review the differences between intolerance and alcohol allergy.
Causes of Alcohol Allergy
People who are allergic to alcohol go through a reaction just by consuming 1 milliliter of pure alcohol or a gulp of beer or wine. It is still a mystery to researchers why some people experience it when the body naturally produces it. However, in other cases, severe alcohol reaction is sometimes mistaken for allergies when it is actually caused by Hodgkin’s Lymphoma.
Some foods that could cause alcohol allergy are:
- Tomato puree
- Food marinades
- Cough syrup
- Overripe fruit that fermented
- Mouthwash
Doctors can diagnose the allergy based on how antibodies are produced. Antibodies called immunoglobin E (IgE) can cause an allergic reaction in the body with common symptoms of an allergic reaction. In addition, blood tests can measure the responses of the immune system to specific substances.
Symptoms
The signs and symptoms of intolerance to alcohol or having a reaction to the ingredients in an alcoholic beverage include:
- Red and itchy bumps on the skin
- Facial redness
- Stuffy or runny nose
- Pre-existing asthma worsens
- Low blood pressure
- Diarrhea
- Nausea and vomiting
Treatment
Like there are no real cures for food allergies or pollen, nothing can cure alcohol allergies as well. The truth is, that alcohol allergy treatment focuses mainly on any symptoms that are present like using a topical cream to alleviate rashes. After that, an individual should totally avoid drinking so they will not suffer allergic reaction symptoms and could also die.
Alcohol Allergy vs. Alcohol Intolerance
An alcohol allergy and intolerance are different from each other.
If you have an alcohol allergy, your immune system has an overreaction to alcohol. Intolerance to alcohol is genetic and the digestive system of an individual cannot break down the substance properly.
Alcohol intolerance symptoms make a person feel uncomfortable. In contrast to this, alcohol allergy can sometimes become life-threatening.
Symptoms of Alcohol Intolerance that People Confuse with Alcohol Allergies:
- High blood pressure
- Low blood pressure
- Heart fluttering sensation
- Lips or tongue swelling
- Chest pain or fainting
- Coughing
Who are More Prone?
People who come of Asian descent have a higher chance of experiencing alcohol intolerance symptoms because of a genetic variant that comes from rice domestication in southern China many centuries ago. An enzyme that is called aldehyde dehydrogenase (ALDH2) turns ethanol into acetic acid in the liver. Those with Asian ancestry might have a less active variant of ALDH2, which makes it harder for them to digest alcohol properly. ALDH2 deficiency commonly causes alcohol intolerance.
Complications
- Migraines – This is probably because of the histamines in alcoholic beverages. The immune system releases histamines when there is an allergic reaction.
- Severe allergic reaction – On rare occasions, the allergic reaction can become life-threatening and might require emergency treatment. You should know all the symptoms so you will know if it is already severe or not.
You can contact allergy center Germantown MD anytime if you need to consult about your alcohol allergy.