Having a runny or stuffy nose after a drink may easily be mistaken for alcohol allergy symptoms, but it is actually a sign of alcohol intolerance. The chemicals present in alcoholic beverages may contribute to nasal congestion or a runny nose. People with alcohol sensitivity experience an unpleasant symptom called the alcohol flush reaction. An alcohol flush reaction is when the face turns red and may also affect your chest and your back. It happens as the blood vessels in the face dilate because of the body’s inability to manage all the toxins in an alcoholic beverage. Alcohol Allergy – An allergy to alcohol itself is very rare, as the body naturally produces small amounts of alcohol on its own.

Of the 68 people who reported intolerance to wine, only two have a medically diagnosed allergy. However, this allergy is triggered by the ingredients of the wine and its production process and not an allergy to alcohol itself.

Alcohol Intolerance: Symptoms, Causes and Treatment

Grapes, wheat, hops, and gluten may be present in the alcoholic beverage, which is causing the problems, instead of the reasons mentioned above. More severe cases of intolerance can also involveheadaches that occur approximately one to two hours after alcohol consumptionand last up to several hours. The onset of symptoms is usually noticed by slightly morelaboured breathing after consuming alcohol. Most sufferers will first report minor breathing difficulties, traditionally accompanied by a noticeable increase in heart rate. Healthline has strict sourcing guidelines and relies on peer-reviewed studies, academic research institutions, and medical associations. Red wine tends to have higher levels of histamine than white wine or beer.

Some people may find that their alcohol tolerance becomes higher with time. This is likely due to “practice” as they continue to use alcohol regularly. Even if we handled alcohol well in early adulthood, this can change as we age. It is similar to any other allergy and intolerance that develops later in life. If you usually handle alcohol fine, remember that many factors can influence your tolerance on a day-by-day basis! Factors such as when you last ate, the type and amount of food you had, when you last exercised, and the medications you’re currently taking can all alter alcohol’s effects. If it’s important to you to continue to drink on occasion, you can try different types of beverages to see if any work.

Can Alcohol Intolerance Be Treated?

If you have an alcohol allergy, make sure to have epinephrine shots with you at all times and wear a medical ID bracelet that tells health professionals you have an allergy. Or maybe that beloved pint of beer suddenly turns into a stuffed nose? Then you might have developed a sudden intolerance to alcohol. A sudden intolerance to alcohol is possible if you begin using a medication that causes alcohol intolerance or develop a disease that causes it. Most cases of suddenly developed alcohol intolerance occur due to starting a new medicine that causes it.

The main alcohol intolerance factor for having a problem with ALDH2 is being of East Asian descent, especially Chinese, Korean or Japanese. Allergy symptoms that affect breathing or have the potential to block your airway, such as swelling in the mouth or of the tongue, can be life-threatening. If you have any of these symptoms or you are with someone who does, you should immediately seek emergency help by calling 911. An outpatient program still gives you access to evidence-based treatment and care, but on a part-time basis.

How Do I Get Tested for Sensitivity to Alcoholic Drink Ingredients?

Once an intolerance has developed, the only way to eliminate symptoms is to avoid alcohol altogether. Our bodies naturally createdhistamineswhich are chemicals also found in certain foods and alcoholic beverages like beer, champagne and wine. If you develop symptoms after drinking alcohol, make an appointment with your doctor. Depending on your symptoms, they might refer you to an allergist for testing and treatment. An allergist is a special type of doctor that focuses on allergic conditions.