Alcohol Intolerance: Symptoms & Causes

Other risk factors for the condition also exist, such as being of Asian descent, having asthma, and having a form of cancer called Hodgkin’s lymphoma. You should also consider seeing a doctor if you may have https://ecosoberhouse.com/article/5-alcoholic-types-in-alcoholism/ an alcohol allergy instead of alcohol intolerance or if you are unsure which you have. An allergic reaction can be dangerous, and being evaluated by a doctor may help you avoid a severe allergic reaction.

Additionally, certain medications may lead to alcohol intolerance. The antibiotic metronidazole (Flagyl) can cause alcohol intolerance while being used. Another medication called disulfiram (Antabuse) is actually designed to cause alcohol intolerance to help people stop drinking.

Common Allergens found in Alcoholic Beverages:

Alcohol intolerance causes acetaldehyde to build up in your bloodstream, ultimately causing unpleasant symptoms. Of course, digestive trouble is a leading symptom of many health conditions, so you’ll want to consult your doc before diagnosing yourself with, say, a tequila allergy. But, if it happens after drinking, without any other weird lifestyle or dietary changes, there’s a high probability that the symptoms are linked to those wine spritzers. Research shows that the enzyme aldehyde dehydrogenase 2 (ALDH2), an enzyme that helps break down alcohol, may be inactive or less active in people with alcohol intolerance.

The main difference between an alcohol allergy and an inability to tolerate or heightened sensitivity to certain ingredients in alcohol is type of reaction produced. If you or someone you love is struggling with alcohol abuse despite an alcohol intolerance, The Recovery Village at Baptist Health can help. Contact us today to learn more about alcohol addiction treatment programs that can work well for your situation. The diagnosis of alcohol intolerance is usually made by ruling out alcohol allergy as a cause of these symptoms. It also involves evaluating the symptoms that occur and how connected they are to alcohol use.

Pre-existing Asthma worsens

With an alcohol allergy, a person’s immune system overreacts to alcohol. Alcohol intolerance is a genetic condition where an individual’s digestive system cannot properly break down the substance. If people experience symptoms after drinking alcohol, they should speak with a doctor for further advice. 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 you have developed an allergy to alcohol and are struggling to quit drinking, Elite Home Detox can help.

  • If you have a true alcohol allergy, the only way to avoid symptoms is to avoid alcohol entirely.
  • If alcohol intolerance is due to the use of a medication, it is much easier to treat.
  • If alcohol intolerance is due to a disease or the use of a medication, successfully treating that disease or stopping the medication will typically help resolve alcohol intolerance.
  • The best way to prevent an adverse reaction is to avoid any item containing alcohol.
  • The main treatment of both conditions is avoiding alcohol or the ingredients that trigger the allergy.
  • An allergic reaction might not occur the first time a person encounters an allergen.

You may wish to consult with your doctor to help you figure out what drinks you are least likely to be allergic to. Some alcohols, including red wine, contain high levels of histamine. However, some people do not have an enzyme called diamine oxidase, which is supposed signs of alcohol allergies to break down histamine. This results in symptoms such as red eyes, runny nose, facial swelling, and nasal congestion after drinking alcohol. The causes of alcohol intolerance include ALDH2 (aldehyde dehydrogenase) deficiency, which is mainly due to genetics.

More About Alcohol Abuse

If you are having an allergic reaction to a drink, immediately stop drinking it. Antihistamines block the body’s release of chemicals like histamine that cause hives, itching, and other allergy symptoms. If you have a reaction to an alcoholic drink, you may have one of two things—a true allergy or an alcohol intolerance.