Alcohol Allergies: Symptoms, Signs, and Treatment for Reactions

Alcohol intolerance is not the same as an alcohol allergy or food intolerance, which doctors can test for by measuring the presence of immunoglobulin G (IgG) in the blood. The most common involves two enzymes, known as alcohol dehydrogenase (ADH) and alcohol dehydrogenase 2 (ADH2). Currently, there is no cure for alcohol intolerance, but understanding and managing the condition can significantly reduce its impact. If alcohol intolerance is caused by something else, such as the use of a medication, then addressing the underlying cause may eliminate alcohol intolerance. Alcohol intolerance is a condition that is often misunderstood yet significantly impacts the lives of those affected by it.

Understanding Alcohol Intolerance

Test for 15 common food allergens and up to 25 common indoor and outdoor respiratory allergens. The same quality lab tests doctors use and recommend, but no doctor visit required for purchase. Consulting with a healthcare provider is essential for an accurate diagnosis. Our state-specific resource guides offer a comprehensive overview of drug and alcohol addiction treatment options available in your area.

Changes to body mass with age

An alcohol intolerance occurs when someone’s body lacks the enzymes to suitably digest alcohol. As a result, a person may experience facial flushing and skin and digestive issues. If you have a non-allergic intolerance to alcohol, histamine, sulfites, or other components of alcoholic beverages, your doctor might encourage you to limit or avoid certain types of alcohol.

• More research is needed to understand its causes and treatment options.
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• These might be signs of alcohol intolerance, an inherited disorder.
• Here’s some information to help you get ready for your appointment.
• However, for a severe skin reaction, weak pulse, vomiting or trouble breathing, seek emergency help right away, as you could be having an anaphylactic reaction.

How Should AUDIT Results Be Interpreted for Effective Treatment?

However, if you have a serious reaction or severe pain, see your doctor. Also, if your symptoms seem to be linked to an allergy or a medication you’re taking, see your doctor. True alcohol allergy is thought to be rare, while alcohol intolerance is more common. Some people may incorrectly assume they are allergic to alcohol, when in fact they are actually reacting to other components of alcoholic drinks. If you have an alcohol allergy, your immune system over-reacts to alcohol.

Some people may find relief with diamine oxidase (DAO) supplements, which may assist your body in breaking down histamines. Sulfites interact with stomach acid to release an irritant gas called sulfur dioxide, which can cause airway irritation in susceptible individuals. Efforts to validate the AUDIT in different demographic groups ensure alcohol intolerance its relevance across age ranges, genders, and ethnicities. However, challenges persist, such as varying interpretations of alcohol-related harm or frequency due to cultural norms, which influence responses and skew results. To mitigate these biases, researchers recommend combining the AUDIT with locally relevant data and complementary assessments to ensure accuracy and inclusivity. The official AUDIT (Alcohol Use Disorders Identification Test) screening tool is available on the World Health Organization’s website’s page The Alcohol Use Disorders Identification Test.

Therefore, while AUDIT is a valuable starting point, it should be used in conjunction with other diagnostic tools and clinical judgment​. Alcoholic drinks can also trigger an allergic reaction to food if you consume the two together, as alcohol can interfere with the gut lining. For example, someone with a wheat allergy may only react after eating wheat followed by drinking alcohol or exercising. “This is known as food-dependant cofactor induced anaphylaxis,” Dr Watts says.

• No, the AUDIT tool is not always sufficient on its own for a comprehensive diagnosis.
• This accumulation can cause facial flushing, nausea, rapid heartbeat, and headaches – the telltale signs of alcohol intolerance.
• Plus, avoiding alcohol lowers your risk for cancer and other serious diseases.
• If they suspect you have a true allergy to alcohol or another ingredient in alcoholic beverages, they will likely conduct allergy testing.
• If you have alcohol allergy, the only way to avoid symptoms is to avoid alcohol completely.