Can You Be Allergic To Alcohol? Know Symptoms and Treatment

For thousands of years, alcohol has been a component of human civilization and has been utilized in social gatherings, rituals, and recreational activities. 

But for certain people, drinking alcohol can cause uneasy and occasionally harmful side effects. “Can you be allergic to alcohol?” is a question that is frequently asked.

In order to give readers a thorough understanding of how alcohol affects the body and the reasons why some people get addicted negatively to alcohol, this blog seeks to investigate the subtleties of alcohol allergies, intolerances, and sensitivities.

Alcohol Allergy and Alcohol Intolerance: Understanding the Difference

To answer the question of whether one can be allergic to alcohol, it is important to distinguish between alcohol allergy and alcohol intolerance. Although these names are frequently used interchangeably, they refer to separate illnesses with unique causes and symptoms.

Alcohol Allergy

A real alcohol allergy occurs when the immune system incorrectly perceives alcohol as a dangerous substance and responds against it. In reaction, the body creates antibodies known as immunoglobulin E (IgE), which cause the production of histamines and other substances. This reaction causes a variety of symptoms that might be moderate or severe, including:

• Skin rash or hives
• Itching
• Swelling of the mouth, face, or throat
• Difficulty breathing
• Anaphylaxis is a life-threatening allergic reaction.

True alcohol allergies are uncommon, and when they do occur, they are frequently attributed to the components in alcoholic beverages rather than the ethanol.

Alcohol Intolerance

Alcohol intolerance is more frequent than alcohol allergy. It occurs when the body lacks the enzymes required to break down alcohol efficiently. Alcohol dehydrogenase (ADH) is the principal enzyme responsible for metabolizing alcohol, converting it into acetaldehyde, a poisonous chemical. Another enzyme, aldehyde dehydrogenase (ALDH), then degrades acetaldehyde to harmless acetic acid.

People with alcohol intolerance usually have an ALDH deficit, which causes an accumulation of acetaldehyde in the body. This accumulation produces unpleasant symptoms, including:

• Facial flushing
• Nausea and vomiting.
• Fast heartbeat (tachycardia)
• Headache and dizziness

Alcohol intolerance, unlike a real allergy, does not affect the immune system. Instead, it is a metabolic condition that alters how the body absorbs alcohol.

Causes of Alcohol-Related Reactions

Understanding the origins of alcohol-related responses is critical for identifying the root problem and effectively controlling symptoms. Several reasons can lead to negative reactions to alcohol, including genetic predispositions, specific components in alcoholic beverages, and pre-existing health issues.

Genetic Factors

Genetics have an important part in determining how a person metabolizes alcohol. This hereditary propensity can make alcohol use extremely painful and raise the risk of long-term health problems, such as esophageal cancer due to long exposure to acetaldehyde.

Ingredients In Alcoholic Beverages

Aside from ethanol, alcoholic beverages contain a variety of substances that may cause allergic responses or intolerance symptoms. Common culprits include:

• Sulfites: These preservatives are commonly used in wine and beer to avoid spoiling. However, some people are sensitive to sulfites and may get symptoms such as hives, wheezing, and difficulty breathing after drinking sulfite-containing beverages.
• Fermented foods and beverages, such as wine, beer, and aged spirits, include histamines, which are naturally occurring chemicals. In certain people, histamine sensitivity can cause headaches, flushing, and other allergy-like symptoms.
• Gluten: People who have celiac disease or are gluten sensitive may react to alcoholic beverages containing gluten, such as beer and some spirits.
• Fusel Alcohols: These are the higher alcohols produced during fermentation. They can exacerbate hangover symptoms and may be more prone to induce negative reactions in some people.

Preexisting Health Conditions

Certain pre-existing medical disorders can make people more vulnerable to alcohol-related effects. People with asthma, for example, may experience worsened symptoms after consuming alcohol, particularly if the beverage includes sulfites. Similarly, people who suffer from chronic migraines may find that drinking causes or worsens their headaches.

Symptoms of Alcohol Related Reactions

The symptoms of alcohol-related reactions can vary greatly based on the underlying reason, the amount of alcohol consumed, and the individual’s sensitivity. It is critical to detect these symptoms in order to distinguish between an alcohol allergy, intolerance, or sensitivity and seek proper medical attention.

Mild To Moderate Symptoms

• Facial flushing is one of the most prevalent symptoms of alcohol intolerance, characterized by red and heated skin on the face and neck. Individuals with a hereditary ALDH2 impairment are more likely to experience this reaction.
• Nausea and vomiting are common symptoms of alcohol intolerance or sensitivity to certain components in alcoholic beverages.
• Headaches: Histamine sensitivity or the presence of fusel alcohols in some beverages can cause headaches that range from mild to severe.
• Hives or Skin Rashes: These allergic reactions can occur on numerous regions of the body, indicating a possible allergy to certain substances in the alcoholic beverage.

Severe Symptoms

• Anaphylaxis: In rare situations, a person with a real alcohol allergy may develop anaphylaxis, a severe and potentially fatal allergic reaction that necessitates emergency medical intervention. Symptoms include difficulty breathing, throat swelling, and low blood pressure.
• Tachycardia, or a rapid heartbeat, can occur in people with alcohol intolerance, especially if they drink too quickly or in excessive quantities.
• Difficulty Breathing: This symptom could be due to an allergic reaction, asthma exacerbation, or sensitivity to sulfites in alcoholic beverages.

Diagnosing Alcohol Allergies and Intolerance

If you suspect that you have an alcohol allergy or intolerance, inpatient drug rehab can assist in determining the underlying cause of your symptoms and recommending appropriate therapeutic measures.

Medical History And Symptom Review

The first step in detecting alcohol-related responses is to thoroughly analyze your medical history and symptoms. We  will inquire about the start, duration, and severity of your symptoms, as well as any trends you may have noticed with certain types of alcoholic beverages.

Skin Prick Test

A skin prick test may be used to determine whether or not an individual is allergic to alcohol. A tiny needle is used to apply small amounts of several allergens, including alcoholic beverage components, to the skin during this test. If you are allergic to any of these compounds, you will experience a little raised bump at the test site.

Blood/Urine Tests

Blood and urine tests can also be used to diagnose alcohol allergies by evaluating the amount of certain antibodies in your blood, such as IgE and Etg. Elevated IgE levels could indicate an allergic reaction to alcohol or other beverage ingredients.

Elimination Diet

In cases of suspected alcohol intolerance, an elimination diet may be suggested. This includes abstaining from all forms of alcohol as well as any foods or beverages that may contain possible triggers for a set length of time. If your symptoms improve throughout this time, it indicates that alcohol or certain chemicals in alcoholic beverages may be the culprit.

Possible Medications Used

In some circumstances, over-the-counter or prescription drugs can help manage symptoms of alcohol-related reactions:

• Antihistamines: These drugs can help with allergy symptoms like hives, itching, and nasal congestion.
• Bronchodilators: For people with asthma, bronchodilators can assist ease breathing problems caused by alcohol.
• Proton Pump Inhibitors (PPIs): symptoms drugs may be advised for persons with acid reflux or gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), because alcohol might aggravate symptoms.

Ending Note

While actual alcohol allergies are uncommon, many people have negative reactions due to alcohol intolerance or sensitivity to certain components in alcoholic beverages. Understanding the differences between these illnesses is critical for determining the underlying cause of symptoms and taking proper action to manage them. If you are facing allergic reactions, Inpatient Rehab Center provides you with diagnosis and treatment. Feel free to contact us!