LIFESTYLE NEWS - True alcohol allergies are rare, but the reactions can be severe.
- Barley
- Hops
- Yeast
- Wheat
- Gluten
- Histamines (often found in red wine)
- Sulfites (often found in white wines)
People often call alcohol intolerance an alcohol allergy - and vice versa. People who have a true alcohol allergy should avoid drinking.
Let's focus on aldehyde dehydrogenase (ALDH2). ALDH2 is the enzyme that digests alcohol, turning it into acetic acid or vinegar in the liver. Someone who has a vinegar allergy may have a severe reaction after drinking alcohol.
Alcohol can also trigger allergic reactions or irritate existing allergies. A Danish study found that for every additional alcoholic drink consumed in a week, the risk of seasonal allergies went up 3%.
Researchers believe that bacteria and yeast in the alcohol produce histamines. These caused symptoms such as itchy eyes and stuffy nose.
People who suspect they've had a reaction to alcohol should see an allergist.
Even a small amount of alcohol can cause symptoms in people with true alcohol allergies.
These can include stomach cramps, difficulty breathing and even collapse.
Reactions to various ingredients in alcoholic beverages will cause different symptoms. For example:
- Someone who is allergic to sulphites may experience hives or anaphylaxis
- Someone who is allergic to histamines may experience nasal swelling and congestion
- Alcohol high in sulphates may increase asthmatic symptoms in those with asthma
- Alcohol may increase the reaction to food allergies
- Headache
- Nasal congestion including runny or stuffy nose
- Abdominal pain
- Nausea
- Vomiting
- Heartburn
- Rapid heartbeat
- This article is for informative purposes only. Please be advised to see your doctor if you have any queries or e-mail questions@walkindoctor.co.za.
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