Alcohol allergy: Symptoms and treatment

Alcohol allergy is a condition in which the body reacts to ingredients in alcohol, causing serious symptoms such as anaphylaxis. Alcohol allergy is a rare condition. This article will provide necessary information about symptoms as well as treatment.

A true alcohol allergy is rare, but reactions can be serious. What most people believe to be an alcohol allergy is actually an alcohol intolerance. Some people are also allergic to other ingredients in alcoholic beverages. For example, potential allergens in alcoholic beverages include:
Wheat Wheat Rye Rye Hops Grape Yeast It is common to call alcohol intolerance an alcohol allergy and vice versa. People with a true alcohol allergy should avoid alcohol altogether.

If you have a true alcohol allergy, even small amounts of alcohol can cause symptoms. In some cases, it can even cause anaphylaxis. This is an allergic reaction that can be life-threatening.
Symptoms of an allergic reaction may include:
Itchy mouth, eyes, or nose Rash, eczema, or itching on your skin Swelling of your face, throat or other body parts Nasal congestion, wheezing or difficulty breathing Abdominal pain, nausea, vomiting or diarrhea Dizziness, lightheadedness or loss of consciousness You should never ignore the symptoms of an allergic reaction. If left untreated, an allergic reaction can quickly get worse. In rare cases, a severe allergic reaction can be fatal.
You can have an alcohol allergy at any point in your life. Sudden onset of symptoms may also be due to a newly developed intolerance. In rare cases, pain after drinking alcohol can be a sign that you have Hodgkin lymphoma. If you develop symptoms after drinking alcohol, make an appointment with your doctor.

If you have allergies, your immune system will overreact to exposure to the trigger or “allergen.” If you have an alcohol allergy, your immune system treats alcohol as a threat. It reacts with alcohol by producing antibodies called immunoglobulin E (IgE). These antibodies trigger an allergic reaction in your body.
Alcohol allergy is actually very rare. Alcohol intolerance is more common.

If you have an alcohol allergy, your immune system will overreact to alcohol. If you have an alcohol intolerance, your digestive system does not process alcohol properly. You can also react to certain alcoholic beverages if you are intolerant to histamine or sulfites. In very rare cases, a reaction to alcohol can be a sign of Hodgkin lymphoma.
4.1. Alcohol Intolerance Aldehyde dehydrogenase (ALDH2) is an enzyme your body uses to digest alcohol. It turns alcohol into acetic acid, a major component of vinegar, in your liver. Some people have a variant in the gene that encodes ALDH2. This variant is more common in people of Asian descent.
If you have this variant, it causes your body to produce ALDH2 less actively. This prevents your body from properly digesting alcohol. This condition is called ALDH2 deficiency. It is a common cause of alcohol intolerance.
If you have an ALDH2 deficiency, your face may become red and hot when you drink alcohol. You may also experience other symptoms, such as:
Headache Nausea Vomiting Heart arrhythmia According to a 2010 study published in BMC Evolution Biology, the gene change that causes ALDH2 deficiency has related to the domestication of rice in southern China several centuries ago.

4.2. Histamine Intolerance Histamine is a chemical that occurs naturally in your body. It is also found in many foods and beverages, especially fermented products. For example, aged cheeses, smoked meats, sauerkraut, wine, and beer tend to be high in histamine.
Normally, your body produces an enzyme called diamine oxidase (DAO) to break down histamine. If your body doesn't produce enough active DAO, you can react to histamine in foods and drinks.
Symptoms of histamine intolerance are similar to those of an allergic reaction. For example, potential symptoms include red and itchy skin, nasal congestion, shortness of breath, abdominal pain, and diarrhea.
Red wine tends to have higher levels of histamine than white wine or beer.
4.3. Intolerance to sulfites Some people are intolerant or sensitive to sulfites. These compounds are often added to beer and wine to limit yeast growth and act as a preservative. Common sulfites include potassium bisulfite or potassium metabisulfite. Sulfur dioxide is another closely related chemical that can trigger a reaction in some people.
Some people have an allergic-like reaction to sulfites. Certain types of sulfites can also trigger an asthma attack if you have asthma.
White wines tend to contain higher levels of sulfites than red wines and beers.

4.4. Hodgkin's Disease Some people with Hodgkin's lymphoma experience pain after drinking alcohol. Hodgkin's lymphoma is a type of cancer that can affect your lymphatic system. Many people with Hodgkin lymphoma develop enlarged lymph nodes. Usually, these lymph nodes are painless. But in rare cases, they become painful after drinking alcohol. The exact cause of this reaction is unknown.

If you develop symptoms after drinking alcohol, make an appointment with your doctor. Depending on your symptoms, they may refer you to an allergist for testing and treatment. An allergist is a special type of doctor who focuses on allergic conditions.
Your doctor will probably start by asking you questions about your symptoms and medical history, such as:
What alcoholic beverages are causing your symptoms? What symptoms do you experience? When did you start having symptoms? Do you have a loved one with allergies? Do you have any other medical conditions? If they suspect you have an actual allergy to alcohol or another ingredient in alcoholic beverages, they will likely conduct allergy testing. The most common type of allergy test is the skin prick test. While examining your skin for the sting, your doctor will use a tongue to prick or scratch your skin. They will apply a drop of the allergen extract to the stung or scratched area. Your skin's reaction can help them figure out if you're allergic.
In some cases, they may use oral testing to diagnose allergies or intolerances. During this procedure, they will ask you to consume a specimen of your suspected trigger. They will watch for any symptoms you develop. They may also conduct blood tests.
Allergy testing should always be done in a medical facility. Can sometimes cause serious allergic reactions. It is important to have medical treatment available.

If you have a true alcohol allergy, the only way to avoid symptoms is to avoid alcohol altogether. Even a small amount of alcohol can cause a serious reaction. Read ingredient lists for foods and beverages, ask restaurant staff for information on menu items, and avoid products that contain alcohol. Some foods contain alcohol as a supplement.
If you are allergic to another ingredient found in some alcoholic products, switching to a different drink may be an option. For example, barley is commonly found in beer but not in wine. Ask your doctor for instructions.
If you experience a mild allergic reaction, an over-the-counter oral antihistamine may be enough to treat it. If you have any signs of a serious reaction, you should inject one or more doses of epinephrine. This medication is also known as adrenaline. It is available in preloaded syringes, called epinephrine auto-injectors (eg, EpiPen). If your doctor prescribes an epinephrine auto-injector, you should carry it with you at all times. Use it at the first sign of a serious allergic reaction. Then go to the nearest emergency room for follow-up care.
If you are not allergic to alcohol, histamine, sulfites, or other components of alcoholic beverages, your doctor may encourage you to limit or avoid certain types of alcohol. In some cases, over-the-counter or prescription medications can help ease symptoms. Ask your doctor for more information about your diagnosis and treatment options.

Reference source: healthline.com