Alcohol Allergy and Symptoms

Updated on 27 May 2009, Published on 09 Jul 2008

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 alcohol 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 alcohol 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.

Suggested Reading:
Symptoms of Alcohol Allergy in details

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9 Responses to "Alcohol Allergy and Symptoms"
Kira
Thanks. thats helpful.
Dyke
Alcohol allergy is not actually an allergy; it is rather alcohol intolerance due to enzyme deficiency.
Geneva
To deal with alcohol allergy, stay away from alcohol.
random
I am allergic to alcohol but I can use it in my cooking in little amounts, mostly in stews as it needs several hours of cooking.
Kevin
I don’t usually get allergic reactions. But after about drinking 8-10 pegs my body starts reacting. As long as I do not cross the 8 pegs limit I am fine.
stephen
drinking saline water is helpful in case of alcohol allergy.
Nate
After drinking a certain amount of alcohol when I wake up in the morning my teeth are very sensitive for few days until they recover, also I get redness behind the back of some of my nails. Is there any reason for this? I have even gotten in at midnight and brushed me teeth before going to bed but this doesn't help. Would like to know if there are any reason's for this. Thanks.
Ranson
I'm allergic to alcohol . After i consume it, the next day i see that my nails are kinda opening up , and it becomes red and sometimes i get rashes on my hand.. What can be done to stop this allergy ???
plavery99
i feel as if im going to die the next day; I feel as if im going to callopse and my hands lock in to spasms and i get a pulse beating in my brain and feel down for a few days also. Could this be an allergy or more serious? Im going for a blood test this week.
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