Alcohol Intolerance – Symptoms and Causes
Understanding Alcohol Sensitivity
People who experience reactions to alcohol have several options to help manage their symptoms.
Non-alcoholic beverages offer an alcohol-free alternative for social situations. These include mocktails, alcohol-removed wines, and non-alcoholic beers that provide similar tastes without triggering reactions.
Antihistamines may help reduce some symptoms like skin flushing or nasal congestion for those who occasionally consume small amounts of alcohol. However, these medications don’t address the underlying enzyme deficiency.
Symptom tracking apps can help identify which specific alcoholic beverages cause the worst reactions. Many people find they react differently to various types of alcohol.
Medical alert bracelets or cards are important for those with severe reactions, as they inform others about this condition in emergency situations.
Signs of Alcohol Intolerance
People with alcohol intolerance may experience several reactions after drinking. These can include:
- Facial redness or flushing
- Red, itchy hives on the skin
- Worsened asthma symptoms
- Stuffy or runny nose
- Decreased blood pressure
- Nausea and vomiting
- Diarrhea
These symptoms often appear quickly after consuming alcoholic drinks. They can range from mild discomfort to more serious reactions depending on the person.
When to see a doctor
Minor alcohol intolerance may not need medical attention. You can simply:
- Avoid alcohol completely
- Drink less
- Skip certain types of drinks
However, medical help is necessary if you experience:
- Severe reactions
- Intense pain
- Symptoms that seem connected to allergies
- Problems possibly related to medications you take
These symptoms require proper medical evaluation to determine the underlying cause and appropriate treatment.
Causes
Alcohol intolerance happens when your body lacks the proper enzymes to break down alcohol’s toxins. This problem is often genetic, with people of Asian descent being more likely to have this trait.
Many other substances in alcoholic drinks can trigger reactions. Beer and wine often contain:
- Preservatives like sulfites
- Various chemicals and grains
- Histamine (produced during fermentation)
Sometimes, what seems like alcohol intolerance is actually an allergic reaction to ingredients in the drink. People may react to grains such as corn, wheat, or rye used in making the beverage.
In rare cases, experiencing severe pain after drinking alcohol might signal a more serious health condition, including Hodgkin’s lymphoma. If you have unusual or severe symptoms after drinking, it’s important to talk with a healthcare provider.
Risk Factors
Several factors may increase your chance of having alcohol intolerance:
- Asian heritage
- History of asthma or hay fever
- Allergies to grains or other foods
- Hodgkin’s lymphoma
These conditions can make your body more sensitive to alcohol or its ingredients. If you have these risk factors, you might experience more severe reactions when drinking.
Complications
Alcohol intolerance or adverse reactions to alcoholic drinks may lead to several complications:
Headaches and Migraines
- Histamines in alcoholic beverages can trigger severe headaches
- People with existing migraine conditions may experience more frequent attacks
- Symptoms typically begin within hours of drinking
Allergic Reactions
Some individuals may experience more serious health issues:
- Skin problems like hives or rashes
- Breathing difficulties
- In rare but dangerous cases, anaphylaxis may occur requiring immediate medical attention
These complications vary in severity depending on individual sensitivity and the specific cause of the reaction.
Prevention
If you react to alcohol or its ingredients, the only way to prevent symptoms is to avoid what triggers your reaction.
Always check beverage labels for ingredients you’re sensitive to, such as sulfites or certain grains. Remember that labels may not list everything in the drink. Some ingredients might be missing from the list.
When dining out, ask about drink ingredients if you have known sensitivities. Being cautious is the best approach to prevent uncomfortable or dangerous reactions.
