You’ll have those same symptoms and a more intense reaction, wheezing, difficulty swallowing, low blood pressure, and heart palpitations, he says. Its symptoms are usually more painful and uncomfortable than intolerance symptoms, and in rare cases, if untreated, an alcohol allergy can become life-threatening. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified healthcare providers with any questions or concerns you may have regarding your health.
What Is an Alcohol Allergy?
Dr. Adam Richmond, a regional medical director with The Recovery Village told Newsweek that there is a common misconception between an alcohol allergy and alcohol intolerance. While it’s easy to get confused between the two, they’re actually very different conditions. An alcohol allergy is when your body reacts to alcohol as if it’s a harmful intruder and makes antibodies that try to fight it off. If symptoms persist when you’re drinking wine or you’re unable to pinpoint the cause of your reaction, consult an allergist. They can perform tests to identify specific triggers and offer you some personalized advice.
Allergies or Food Sensitivities
- If you’re experiencing similar changes after starting a new medication, it might be time to have a chat with your doctor or pharmacist.
- Your doctor will start by taking a comprehensive medical history to understand your symptoms and any potential triggers.
- As you get older, you might notice that your body starts to handle alcohol differently.
Some individuals might react more severely to certain types of alcohol, such as red wine, which contains higher levels of histamines and sulfites compared to other alcoholic beverages. Your genes can play a major role in whether you develop an alcohol allergy or intolerance. Many East Asians face a higher chance of alcohol intolerance because of reduced ALDH2 enzyme levels. Sometimes, what looks like intolerance might be a reaction to specific ingredients, such as chemicals, grains, or preservatives in the drink. Common signs of alcohol intolerance include flushed skin, hives, worsened asthma, stuffy nose, low blood pressure, nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea. On the other hand, an alcohol sensitivity or intolerance happens when your body struggles to metabolize or digest alcohol.
Signs You Might Be Allergic to Alcohol
- Learn the signs and symptoms to keep an eye out for and why certain drinks might affect you more than others.
- If you’ve recently found that alcohol isn’t agreeing with you the way it used to, it’s essential to listen to your body and consult with a healthcare professional.
- Your genes can play a major role in whether you develop an alcohol allergy or intolerance.
“Development of hives or red bumps are commonly due to a reaction to histamines that can’t be broken down,” says Dr. Glatter. It’s the inability to metabolize these histamines that can cause an allergic reaction or flare-up, he says. Levels of histamines vary based on alcohol, but they will be in higher concentrations in beer and wine (especially red), he says.
Yes, alcohol allergies can develop at any age, even if you have previously consumed alcohol without any problems. Changes in the immune system or repeated exposure to certain allergens can trigger this. You’re not alone—let’s work together to uncover the cause and Substance abuse find a solution.
Treatment providers are available 24/7 to answer your questions about rehab, whether it’s for you or a loved one. Submit your number and receive a free call today allergy to bourbon from a treatment provider. For example, I have a friend who loves beer but always feels sick after drinking it.