Alcohol intolerance

Description

Alcohol intolerance can cause immediate, uncomfortable reactions after you drink alcohol. The most common signs and symptoms are stuffy nose and skin flushing.

Alcohol intolerance is caused by a genetic condition in which the body cannot break down alcohol efficiently. The only way to prevent these uncomfortable reactions is to avoid the consumption of alcohol.

Although it is not a true allergy, in some cases, what seems to be alcohol intolerance might be your reaction to something in an alcoholic beverage — such as chemicals, grains or preservatives. The combination of alcohol with certain medications can also cause reactions.

Symptoms

The signs and symptoms of alcohol intolerance — or a reaction to the ingredients in an alcoholic beverage — can include:

  • Facial redness (flushing)
  • Red, itchy bumps on the skin (hives)
  • The worsening of pre-existing asthma
  • Runny or stuffy nose
  • Low blood pressure
  • Nausea and vomiting
  • Diarrhea

When to see a doctor

It has a mild intolerance to alcohol or something in alcoholic beverages does not require a trip to a doctor. Simply, avoid alcohol, limit the amount you drink or prevent certain types of alcoholic beverages.

However, if you have a severe reaction or severe pain, see your doctor. Also, if your symptoms seem to be linked to an allergy or a medication you are taking, check with your doctor.

Causes

Alcohol intolerance occurs when the body does not have the proper enzymes to break down (metabolize) the toxins in the alcohol. This is caused by inherited (genetic) traits most often found in Asians.

Other ingredients that are commonly found in alcoholic beverages, especially beer or wine, it can cause reactions of intolerance. These include:

  • Sulfites or other preservatives
  • Chemicals, grains or other ingredients
  • Histamine, a by-product of the fermentation or brewing

In some cases, the reactions can be triggered by a true allergy to a grain like corn, wheat, or rye, or another substance in alcoholic beverages.

Rarely, severe pain after drinking alcohol is a sign of a more serious disorder, such as Hodgkin's lymphoma.

Risk factors

Risk factors for intolerance to alcohol or other reactions to alcoholic beverages are:

  • Being of Asian descent
  • Have asthma or hay fever (allergic rhinitis)
  • Have an allergy to cereals or other food
  • Have Hodgkin's lymphoma

Complications

Depending on the cause, complications of intolerance to alcohol or other reactions to alcoholic beverages may include:

  • Migraines. Drinking alcohol can trigger migraines in some people, possibly as a result of the histamine contained in some alcoholic beverages. Your immune system also releases histamine during an allergic reaction.
  • A severe allergic reaction. In rare cases, an allergic reaction can be life-threatening (anaphylactic reaction) and require emergency treatment.

Prevention

Unfortunately, nothing can prevent reactions of the alcohol or of the ingredients in alcoholic beverages. To avoid a reaction, avoid the alcohol or the particular substance that causes the reaction.

Read drinks labels to see if they contain ingredients or additives, you know that cause a reaction, such as sulfites or certain grains. Be aware, however, that the labels could not list all ingredients.

Alcohol intolerance

Diagnosis

In addition to conducting a physical exam, your doctor may order the following tests:

  • Skin test. A skin test can determine if you may have an allergy to something in the alcoholic beverages — for example, the grains in the beer. Your skin is pricked with a small amount of a substance that could be the cause of your reaction. If you are allergic to the substance being tested, you'll develop a lump or other reaction in the skin.
  • Blood test. A blood test can measure your immune system's response to a particular substance by checking the amount of allergy-type of antibodies in the bloodstream known as the antibody-immunoglobulin E. A blood sample is sent to a laboratory to check the reactions to certain foods. However, these tests are not always accurate.

Treatment

The only way to avoid the consumption of alcohol symptoms of intolerance or an allergic reaction is to avoid the alcohol, or the particular beverage or ingredients that cause the problem. For a minor reaction, over-the-counter or prescription antihistamines may help reduce symptoms, such as itching or urticaria.

Preparing for your appointment

Although the alcohol intolerance is usually not a serious problem, as always who does not drink alcohol, you could discuss this with your doctor at your next appointment. Here's some information to help you prepare for your appointment.

Make a list of:

  • Your symptoms, including any that seem unrelated to the reason for which you scheduled the appointment, and when they occur.
  • Key personal information, including major stresses or recent life changes. Stress can sometimes worsen allergic reactions or sensitivities.
  • All medications, vitamins or supplements you are taking and the dose.
  • Questions to ask your doctor.

For the alcohol intolerance, some questions to ask your doctor include:

  • What do you think is the cause of my reaction to alcoholic beverages?
  • Some of my medicines likely causing or worsening my reaction to alcohol?
  • Other that the most likely cause, what are other possible causes of the symptoms?
  • What tests do I need?
  • What treatments are available?
  • Should I stop drinking alcohol?

Don't hesitate to ask other questions you have.

What to expect from your doctor

Your doctor may ask:

  • When he noticed a reaction to alcohol?
  • What drinks — beer, wine, mixed drink or a particular type of liquor trigger your symptoms?
  • How severe are the symptoms?
  • How long does it take for symptoms to appear after you drink the drink?
  • How much of the drink do you drink before you notice a reaction?
  • Have you tried over-the-counter allergy medications, such as antihistamines, by his reaction, and if so, does it help?
  • Do you have any allergies, such as to certain foods or pollens, dust or other substances in the air?

What you can do in the meantime

Avoid soft drinks or drinks that seem to trigger your reaction to the appointment with your doctor.

If you drink a beverage that causes a mild reaction, over-the-counter antihistamines can help relieve the symptoms. However, for a severe reaction of the skin, weak pulse, vomiting, or difficulty breathing, seek emergency help immediately, as you could have an anaphylactic reaction.

Symptoms and treatment of Alcohol intolerance