04 Sep Can Alcohol Cause Allergies?

Can alcohol cause allergies? If you get congested every time you drink a glass of alcohol, there may be a correlation between alcohol and allergy symptoms in yourself or a loved one. Keep reading to find out more!

Is it intolerance or allergies?

People are typically affected by alcohol due to either an alcohol intolerance or due to an allergy in the ingredients of alcohol. Alcohol intolerance is often found in people of Asian descent. It is a hereditary trait in which an individual lacks an enzyme needed to process alcohol properly.

Symptoms of alcohol intolerance include:

• Bright pink or red flush in face, neck, and chest
• Nausea or vomiting
• Headache
• Rapid heartbeat

Can alcohol cause allergies? In short, yes. If you have a histamine or sulfites intolerance, you may have allergy-like reactions to alcohol. Possible symptoms include nasal congestion, abdominal pain, diarrhea, red/itchy skin, and shortness of breath. Sulfites intolerance may also trigger asthma symptoms.

There are a number of ingredients in various types of alcohol that can cause people to experience allergic reactions. Certain people with severe allergies can experience anaphylaxis, which are life-threatening allergic reactions that can be life-threatening.

Typical ingredients in alcohol that may trigger allergic reactions include:

• Wheat
• Hops
• Yeast
• Rye
• Grapes
• Barley

Most people don’t realize that allergies can develop later in life, so they don’t always recognize the signs of a potential allergy.

The following symptoms are some typical signs that you may be having an allergic reaction to alcohol:

Allergic reactions occur when the immune system overreacts to the allergen entering your system, attacking the allergen and causing the symptoms listed above.

Reactions to these foods can also indicate that you have an alcohol allergy:

• Food marinades
• Cough syrup
• Tomato puree
• Fermented fruit
• Mouthwash

Is there a cure for alcohol allergies?

Unfortunately, there is no cure for alcohol allergies or intolerance. The only way to relieve symptoms is to stop drinking alcohol.

If you drink regularly and are interested in quitting due to an alcohol allergy, you should consult a healthcare provider first. If you drink frequently enough, your brain chemistry can change to account for a regular supply of alcohol. Cutting that supply off may result in alcohol withdrawal as your body readjusts to no longer having alcohol in your system.

Rarely, alcohol detox can cause serious withdrawal symptoms known as Delirium Tremens (DTs) that can be fatal if not treated.

Medically-managed detox is not only the safest and most comfortable way to detox from alcohol, it’s also the most likely to set you up for success for long-term sobriety. A healthcare expert specializing in addiction can evaluate your overall health and create a detox plan that prevents dangerous and uncomfortable symptoms by managing them with medication.

Detox and rehabilitation for alcohol addiction usually comes in the form of traditional 30-day programs offered by clinics, which utilize therapy after detox to help you learn how to cope with stress without drinking. People who have tried rehab before, or who don’t want to explain a prolonged absence to attend, may wish to consider in-home addiction healthcare.

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