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allergic to alcohol symptoms

Allergic to Alcohol? Symptoms, Causes, and Reactions Explained

A recent report by the World Health Organization reveals that over three million people die from alcohol intake and drug abuse every year. However, for a few people, taking alcohol results in serious side effects. Despite the fact that the actual allergic reactions to alcohol are rather rare, some people may have an allergic reaction to some of the ingredients added to make the alcohol. Knowing these allergic to alcohol symptoms will assist in properly addressing your health and responding to it appropriately.

This is a good time to get help if you are experiencing symptoms due to excessive alcohol intake. You should seek help from a professional at the Inpatient Rehab Center.

What Are Allergic to Alcohol Symptoms?

Intolerance or hypersensitivity of alcohol itself is a very rare condition. The majority of the time, when someone thinks that they are allergic to alcohol, the symptoms they are possessing are the result of an allergic reaction to some of the ingredients that are contained within alcoholic products. They can include sulfites or histamines, wheat, or rye, as well as astringent smells or tastes.

Common Symptoms of Alcohol-Related Allergies

For those who are sensitive to some of the components in alcoholic beverages, reactions can range from mild reactions like rashes or hives, swelling of the lips, throat, or face, labored breathing, and abdominal cramps. These are symptoms that take root in allergies some people have towards certain contents present in the beverage and not alcohol in its entirety.

Alcohol Intolerance vs. Alcohol Allergy

When analyzing alcohol intolerance, it is necessary to distinguish it from other allergic reactions. Drinking alcohol is said to cause some mild symptoms such as flushing, nausea, or headaches in patients with alcohol intolerance, but the condition is not fatal. Hence, an allergy to those components used in alcohol preparation can lead to severe or fatal reactions.

When to Seek Medical Advice

If you are having any of these allergic to alcohol symptoms it is recommended you avoid the allergen and seek medical attention. Unlike alcohol intolerance, allergies can trigger severe episodes within a short while and may cause the need for hospitalization.

In case you think that your symptoms may be the result of an allergy to alcohol or any of its components, do not hesitate to contact our experts at the inpatient rehabilitation facility as soon as you can.

Alcohol Intolerance vs. Allergic to Alcohol Symptoms

Alcohol intolerance and alcohol allergy are two different conditions that many people tend to think are the same thing. Alcohol intolerance arises when an individual’s body cannot break down alcohol because the enzyme aldehyde dehydrogenase (ALDH2) is absent. This enzyme is very important for the metabolization of acetaldehyde, which is a toxic component formed during the alcohol metabolism. ALDH2 is responsible for metabolism of acetaldehyde, and that is why when it is deficient it accumulates in the body and causes such side effects as flushing of the skin, nausea, headaches, and tachycardia. Therefore, it is worth noting that alcohol intolerance is unpleasant, it is not dangerous since it does not involve the immune system.

However, allergic to alcohol symptoms do not affect an enzyme but an immune system of the human body. Most of these reactions are elicited by preservatives like sulfites in wine, histamine, and grains in beers, respectively. In the case of alcohol allergy, every time one consumes a product containing alcohol, the immune system perceives these ingredients as undesirable and initiates a dangerous allergic reaction. If someone has an allergic reaction to alcohol, it may have symptoms such as rashes with hives, swelling of the lips, face, or throat, trouble in breathing and in some cases, anaphylactic shock. While experiencing alcohol intolerance, it is advisable to abstain from the product, but allergic reactions need emergency medical attention.

In a situation where one is in doubt as to whether he or she has alcohol intolerance or allergy, it is essential that he or she consult a doctor at the Inpatient Rehab Center in order to get the right diagnosis.

Managing Allergic to Alcohol Symptoms

  • Avoid the allergen: The most practical approach when you think you are allergic to alcohol is to avoid the product that has the allergic ingredients. This entails avoiding particular kinds of drinks, such as beverages containing sulfites or beers that have specific grains like wheat or barley.
  • Check labels and ask about ingredients: People should always check the labels of alcoholic drinks to find out whether they contain any allergens. If you are in doubt about the contents of a beverage, do not hesitate to ask about the composition, particularly when you are in a bar or restaurant. 
  • Carry an epinephrine auto-injector if needed: For those who have suffered a severe allergic reaction, it is necessary to have an epinephrine auto-injector, for example, an EpiPen. This is a life-saving device as it facilitates in controlling the symptoms, such as swelling or difficulty breathing until medical assistance is accessible.
  • Consult a healthcare provider for long-term management: People with a history of prone sensitization to alcohol should always consult a physician. Healthcare providers may include the diagnosis of an allergy and give information regarding precautions that can be taken regarding specific allergens and especially dealing with any treatment or medication as well.
  • Maintain a food and drink diary: Regularly maintaining a record of what you take as food or drinks will do well for detecting patterns of allergic reactions that are attached to certain foods or drinks. It helps in identifying certain ingredients that trigger symptoms and prevent their recurrence subsequently. 
  • Seek professional guidance: Due to the lack of treatment, people who are allergic or intolerant to alcohol must adapt their daily lives and consult a doctor. Talk to your doctor and other healthcare providers in order to gain more knowledge about allergens and controlling your symptoms.

If you wish to find out more about diagnosing and managing allergies related to alcohol consumption, please get in touch with the inpatient alcohol rehab.

Conclusion

While getting allergic to alcohol symptoms can be worrying, getting an understanding of the real cause behind these symptoms is a way of getting your health back on track. Some of the possible causes may include an ingredient present in the drink or a real type of alcohol allergy that is caused by ethanol. If you do experience symptoms that are severe, like shortness of breath, swelling, or hives, you should always consult a doctor, as these may need treatment right away. It is a reliable approach to achieve sustainable management of related risks involving collaboration with a healthcare practitioner to determine the situations that may trigger a potentially harmful reaction.

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