How to Tell If You’re Allergic to Alcohol

Alcohol intolerance is a genetic metabolic disorder that is triggered by consuming alcohol. The culprit is a substance called acetaldehyde — a toxic product of alcohol metabolism that is produced in the body as it breaks down the alcohol in your system. Here are some symptoms that could be a sign of alcohol intolerance or an alcohol allergy. Genetic alcohol intolerance is inherited from one’s parents, and it is caused by a mutation in the gene that the body uses to create alcohol dehydrogenase. This condition is most common in those of Asian descent but can affect anyone, regardless of their ethnic background. This genetic condition will create alcohol intolerance throughout an individual’s entire life. Alcohol intolerance has several side effects when someone drinks, like abdominal pain and nausea. Recognizing the difference between these and an alcohol allergy could save a life.

An alcohol allergy can be life-threatening, in some cases. That’s why it is so important that you learn the differences before you drink alcohol. For example, maybe you get a slightly stuffy nose when you drink alcohol. But if your nose, mouth, and throat swell up to the point it becomes difficult to breathe, it is more likely an allergic reaction to the alcohol consumption. If you suffer from a genuine alcohol allergy, avoid it altogether. There is no way to counteract your allergic reactions other than avoiding Sober Home the ingredient that triggers the reaction. In the case of alcohol, as long as your symptoms are not life threatening, you can do trial and error to see if all alcohol gives you symptoms, or only certain types of alcoholic beverages. This way, you will know what to avoid, and you can make educated decisions on how you would like to responsibly enjoy an alcoholic drink. Even small amounts of things that you are allergic to can trigger a reaction, so it is very important to know specifically what you need to avoid.

Signs You Might Be Allergic to Alcohol

However, some people with Hodgkin lymphoma experience pain in their lymph nodes after consuming alcohol. Hodgkin lymphoma is a blood cancer that can affect a person’s lymphatic system. People with this condition usually experience swelling in the lymph nodes in areas including the neck, armpits, or groin. It won’t go away, but by taking some precautions, you can avoid the symptoms and enjoy a healthy, active life. It is an inherited disorder, so it was passed down to you from your parents. People of East Asian descent are more likely to have the inherited genetic mutation that causes alcohol intolerance, so they develop the condition at higher rates. Anyone can have the enzyme problem that causes alcohol intolerance.

This may be a sign that you have some level of alcohol intolerance. Many symptoms of alcohol intolerance, such as nasal congestion, headaches, nausea or stomach cramps could trick you into thinking you’re getting a cold. However, if these symptoms are due to alcohol intolerance, they should only last a short period of time. If you experience immediate negative symptoms after drinking vodka, it’s important to speak to your doctor signs you’re allergic to alcohol before drinking again. Just because you may not have an allergy to alcohol doesn’t mean that your negative reaction to alcohol is meaningless. In either case, you can reduce the symptoms you experience by takingAsian glow pillsbefore drinking. But what if only a certain type of alcohol gives you a reaction? Keep reading to learn more below about negative reactions to beer, wine, and vodka and how you can reduce your symptoms.

Alcohol intolerance

You might also react to certain alcoholic beverages if you have a histamine or sulfites intolerance. In very rare cases, reactions to alcohol may be a sign of Hodgkin’s lymphoma. There are a lot of ingredients, additives, and preservatives in beer that can cause severe allergic reactions in some people. As mentioned above, symptoms of a beer intolerance can look like an allergic reaction, even if it isn’t actually one. An allergy to wine is believed to be rare, though an intolerance to wine that impacts roughly 10% of people.

• Experts in Palm Springs urgent care warn that the consumption of too much alcohol may cause damage to the organs or raise your risk for diseases like cancer and gastrointestinal problems.
• When people search for alcohol allergy, most people actually mean alcohol intolerance, and this is what we’re discussing today.
• But what if only a certain type of alcohol gives you a reaction?
• Obviously, whenever your heart rate escalates, it’s hard to catch your breath.
• Keep them in mind next time you’re smack dab in the middle of happy hour.

See your doctor if you experience severe symptoms along with diarrhea, such as bloody stools, a high fever that lasts longer than 24 hours, or severe pain in your abdomen. This reaction is caused by a mutation in the enzyme called acetaldehyde dehydrogenase, which is supposed to help metabolize alcohol. A person who has a deficiency of aldehyde dehydrogenase that breaks down the alcohol usually experiences flushing and can also experience nausea and rapid heartbeat. In a small 2012 study, researchers found that about 7.2% of 4,000 participants were intolerant to wine and alcohol in general. They also found signs you’re allergic to alcohol it to be more common amongst women than men. Verywell Mind articles are reviewed by board-certified physicians and mental healthcare professionals. Medical Reviewers confirm the content is thorough and accurate, reflecting the latest evidence-based research. Verywell Mind’s content is for informational and educational purposes only. Depending on the allergy severity, a person may treat symptoms with over-the-counter medications, such as oral antihistamines, if the reaction is mild. If a person is allergic to a particular ingredient found in some drinks, they could switch to drinks that do not contain it.

Why Do I Get Cold-Like Symptoms After Drinking Alcohol?

Key personal information, including major stresses or recent life changes. Stress can sometimes worsen allergic reactions or sensitivities. Although alcohol intolerance usually isn’t a serious issue as long as you don’t drink alcohol, you might want to discuss it with your doctor at your next appointment. Here’s some information to help you get ready for your appointment.