If you think you have it, talk with your doctor and find out what’s causing it. If you think you might have an allergy to alcohol, stop drinking immediately and take note of your symptoms. Beer and some spirits contain wheat, barley, or rye, which may trigger reactions in people with grain or gluten allergies. ​​Alcohol affects nearly every part of the body, starting with the brain.

Grains

The detection of hydrogen and methane gases in a person’s breath after alcohol consumption is another method to diagnose alcohol intolerance. A breath test can determine whether the individual’s body has difficulty metabolizing alcohol by measuring the amount of these gases produced by the body. In some cases, they may recommend several tests to confirm or rule out similar conditions, such as an alcohol allergy or histamine intolerance. If a person suspects they have alcohol intolerance, they should speak to a doctor. They may diagnose alcohol intolerance based on the person’s medical history and symptoms.

Physical Signs and Skin Reactions

In Asia, it’s relatively common for adults to have an intolerance to alcohol, with between 5% and 10% experiencing symptoms after having a drink. As much as 85% of people in East Asian countries experience symptoms after drinking alcohol. In Western countries, it isn’t quite as common; an American study found that 7% of adults have an alcohol intolerance, with 9% of women experiencing symptoms compared to 5% of men. The symptoms of alcohol intolerance may include flushing, nasal congestion, gastrointestinal discomfort, or rapid heartbeat after alcohol consumption.

• While alcohol intolerance from health conditions is very rare, it is crucial to consider these factors and consult your doctor if you notice a sudden change in how your body reacts to alcohol.
• However, if you have a confirmed severe alcohol allergy, you should exercise caution and consider non-alcohol alternatives like benzalkonium chloride-based products.
• If you’ve ever dealt with discomfort after a drink, it’s a good idea to pay attention to these ingredients.
• Red wine consistently ranks as the most reactive due to its high histamine content and wine ingredients like sulfites and egg-based fining agents.

People with alcohol intolerance do not have the necessary enzymes, such as alcohol dehydrogenase (ADH) or ALDH2, to process alcohol effectively. This results in their body struggling to break down acetaldehyde, a toxic byproduct of alcohol metabolism. The symptoms of alcohol intolerance can be similar to an allergic reaction, including hot flushes, digestive issues, and in rare cases, severe pain which may indicate a more serious disorder. Alcohol intolerance and alcohol allergy can both have significant impacts on an individual’s daily life.

Eat Before Drinking

Alcohol allergy is an immune system response — your immune system overreacts to an ingredient in alcohol. You may be allergic to one of the substances in alcohol (a chemical, grain or preservative, such as sulfite). Alcohol allergy is diagnosed through allergy testing, typically a skin prick test or an oral challenge test. If you suspect an allergy, it is important to consult a doctor for evaluation and testing. Genetic testing may also be an option, providing a more definitive answer.

Can you become tolerant to alcohol over time?

Up to 45% of East Asians carry the ALDH2 variant linked to alcohol flushing syndrome, which is a condition where your face, neck, or chest turns red soon after drinking alcohol. It’s usually caused by a genetic mutation that affects how your body breaks down alcohol. Alcohol intolerance is a problem with the specific enzyme that helps your body metabolize alcohol. Even drinking a small amount of alcohol (ethanol) causes unpleasant symptoms.

General Health

Don’t attempt to drive yourself to the hospital, as your condition could deteriorate quickly during transport. Though flushing and warmth can occur when you’re intoxicated, alcohol intolerance is not the same as being drunk. The condition isn’t a response to the amount of alcohol you alcohol intolerance: symptoms, tests and alcohol allergy drank or your blood alcohol level. Learn more about alcohol intolerance, its signs, symptoms, and risks, and what to do if you experience this adverse reaction. If you don’t tolerate a specific ingredient in certain alcoholic products, you can drink beverages without it. For example, you might not tolerate barley, which is often found in beer.

It’s also found in many foods and beverages, especially fermented products. For example, aged cheese, smoked meats, sauerkraut, wine, and beer tend to be high in histamines. Now you know what causes alcohol intolerance, what symptoms to observe, and what are different alcohol intolerance test options. Then, try your go-to drinks one by one, separated by a day or two, and observe your reaction.

Though it may be surprising, alcohol intolerance can occur in people who have alcohol addiction. It can be challenging to “treat” alcohol intolerance since that usually means avoiding alcohol. If you’re dependent on alcohol, quitting abruptly will relieve the symptoms of intolerance but can bring on severe withdrawal symptoms. If you’re allergic to another ingredient contained in certain alcoholic products, switching to a different drink might be an option.

• However, people who do not have enough of this enzyme can develop histamine intolerance.
• They contribute to the unique profiles we enjoy, but there’s a catch—studies suggest that congeners can amplify the symptoms of alcohol intolerance, making hangovers more severe.
• A simple, “I’d love to come, but I need to stick to non-alcoholic options for health reasons,” can set the tone.
• Unlike allergies, this isn’t about the immune system at all—it’s really about how your body processes alcohol.
• That way, you’ll see if you’re only intolerant to certain drinks and might guess which ingredients cause the reaction.
• For a minor reaction, over-the-counter or prescription antihistamines might help reduce symptoms, such as itching or hives.

Suffering from Alcoholic Intolerance?

It’s also possible to be allergic to proteins in filling agents, such as egg or shellfish, which manufacturers sometimes use to remove fine particles from alcoholic beverages. Alcohol intolerance happens when the body cannot properly break down alcohol. Alcohol allergy happens when the immune system mistakenly identifies alcohol as a threat and launches an attack that can affect the entire body. Get comprehensive information on hundreds of whole allergens and allergen components. If you’re taking medication, check with your doctor to see if it’s OK to drink alcohol while you take it. It can impact blood pressure and influence levels of different types of cholesterol—specifically HDL cholesterol in the blood—and can also have an influence on heart rhythm and conduction.

While many people assume they have an alcohol allergy, true allergic reactions to pure alcohol rarely occur. Instead, you’re likely experiencing an intolerance related to genetic factors or reacting to specific chemical triggers within alcoholic beverages. The primary issue often stems from an ALDH2 enzyme deficiency, which prevents your body from properly breaking down acetaldehyde. When you experience an alcohol allergy, you’ll notice rapid facial swelling, particularly around your eyes and lips, within minutes of consumption. Your skin may develop raised, itchy hives or redness that spreads across your body.

The only way to treat alcohol intolerance is to avoid alcohol or, at the very least, limit alcohol consumption. If an allergy to a certain ingredient in alcoholic drinks is suspected, an elimination diet may be recommended. This involves avoiding the suspected allergen to see if symptoms improve. Allergy tests such as skin prick or blood tests may also be conducted to identify specific allergens. It may seem unfair that an inherited condition keeps you from enjoying the occasional glass of wine or beer.

Antihistamines won’t effectively prevent most alcohol-related reactions because they’re typically caused by enzyme deficiencies (alcohol intolerance) rather than true allergies. While antihistamines might provide limited relief for some allergy-like symptoms, they can’t address the underlying metabolic issue that prevents your body from properly breaking down alcohol. For your safety, you shouldn’t rely on antihistamines as a preventive measure before consuming alcohol if you experience adverse reactions. Although mild reactions to alcohol can often be managed at home, certain symptoms demand immediate medical attention to prevent potentially life-threatening complications. You’ll need immediate emergency care if you experience throat swelling, difficulty breathing, rapid blood pressure drops, or signs of anaphylaxis after consuming alcohol. If you believe you have an intolerance to alcohol, it’s recommended that you stop drinking alcoholic drinks until you’re able to have it confirmed.