Alcohol Allergy - Discover its Symptoms
It occurs very rarely and is very difficult to diagnose. Most physicians fail to rule out the possibility of this allergy just by examining the skin rashes, for it can be the result of something else. Those people who develop allergic reactions against alcohol are probably allergic to one of the ingredients present in it, such as wheat or sulphur dioxide.
However, chances of developing allergic reactions to alcohol being very rare it could be alcohol intolerance, which means you, are extra sensitive to it. Mostly this intolerance is suffered by the Asians and Eastern countries such as China. To recognize an allergic reaction from a hangover is a task which is next to impossible.
When people experienced a bad hangover they do not account it as an allergy to alcohol but consider it as a result of an overindulged night. Other components that include grains like wheat, corn, oats, barley, rye, grapes in wine and the addition of yeast could be responsible for triggering the allergic reaction.
The symptoms of this allergic reaction are similar to the symptoms of food allergy, thus, making it all the more difficult to determine the exact cause of the reaction. To name a few of allergic symptoms:
1) Rashes
2) Headaches
3) Skin itching
4) Stomach pain or cramps
5) Vomiting or nausea
6) Heat burn, flushing reactions
7) Diarrhea
To some people who suffer from hives and swelling, their drinking habits can simply worsen the symptoms. Sulfites present in alcohol may in some cases even cause anaphylaxis. In some people it may cause nasal congestion, runny nose, sneezing etc.
For such type of allergy which is very rare, there is hardly any treatment available except avoiding it. All you can do is to reduce the severity of the symptoms. Here are lists of things which can help you if you experience such symptoms:
1) Drink plenty of water to flush out the alcohol in your system. It will also help you in reducing the pains and stomach cramps.
2) Eating saltine crackers may help you to settle your upset stomach.
3) Avoid caffeine and nicotine, as this will only aggravate the symptoms.
The best way out to resolve an allergy to alcohol is to learn to live with it. Either you can totally avoid/ eliminate it or take the drink in limited quantity. Or find a drink which does not cause any allergic reactions. But what most people who suffer from this hypersenstivity do? They simply avoid it. If severe pain follows such a reaction, though this happens very rarely, then it might lead to serious condition, which is known as Hodgkin’s Lymphoma.
