Title : 5 Signs You Are Allergic To Alcohol
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5 Signs You Are Allergic To Alcohol
Alcohol Intolerance & Sinus Congestion
Sinus congestion from alcohol is caused by an alcohol intolerance and high levels of histamine in alcoholic beverages. It's a genetic condition where the person's body is unable to break down the alcohol, leading to complications. This alcohol intolerance happens because the digestive system is lacking the proper enzymes to digest the alcohol, so as this histamine is released, the sinuses become irritated and inflamed, which prevents mucus in the sinuses from draining.
Along with histamines, there are ingredients in these beverages that can also cause allergic reactions, resulting in sinus congestion. These items include sulfur dioxide and grains such as wheat. The University of Maryland. MayoClinic.com states that beer and wine specifically are high in histamine, leading to nasal congestion. One of the first signs of an intolerance/sensitivity to this histamine is sinus congestion and flushing of the skin, but other symptoms include difficulty breathing through the nose, sneezing, a runny nose, sinus pressure headaches and postnasal drip.
Beyond nasal congestion, alcohol intolerance can cause the skin to become inflamed and itchy. Digestive issues may include heartburn, nausea, vomiting, abdominal pain and gas, according to MayoClinic.com. If the patient is asthmatic, they can develop a worsened reaction when drinking alcohol. Other symptoms may include an increased heart rate and the jitters. Nasal congestion associated with severe pain and a fever may be caused by a sinus infection, according to University of Maryland.
Treatment For Alcohol Intolerance & Congestion
Avoiding the consumption of alcoholic beverages is the only way to prevent common symptoms from alcohol intolerance, including nasal congestion. Once nasal congestion develops, drink hot liquids and use steam from a hot shower to help soothe and open the swollen sinus passages. Increase the amount of water and fruit juice to keep mucus thin and promote drainage, according to the University of Maryland.
Intolerances vs. Alcohol Allergies
Most of us have known what our allergies are since childhood, but figuring out whether you're allergic to alcohol isn't easy, as many of the symptoms can easily be mistaken for common side effects of getting drunk or as a particularly ugly hangover. It's important to understand alcohol allergies, because leaving them untreated for a long time could lead to severe allergic reactions that could put you in the hospital.
Having an allergy to alcohol isn't the same as having an alcohol intolerance. The symptoms of alcohol allergy and alcohol intolerance do overlap, but there are small differences here and there that make a huge difference in telling them apart. An intolerance is much more common, as researchers at Johannes Gutenberg University of Mainz discovered during their study of 950 regular drinkers. Below are five signs you're allergic to alcohol, and how to tell them apart from the symptoms of an intolerance.
Signs of An Alcohol Allergy
Becoming Red & Flush
Alcohol flush reaction is a way that your body informs you that you have an allergy. The face, neck, and chest turn bright red, and everything gets warm to the touch. This happens because your body isn't wired to metabolize alcohol. People are able to break down alcohol into acetaldehyde, but we lack the enzyme ALDH2, which is what processes the very toxic acetaldehyde into harmless substances that are flushed out of our system. This reaction can also cause blotches, blemishes and make you feel dizzy or lightheaded.
Breaking Out In Hives
If you're breaking out in hives, it means you're facing anaphylaxis, which is a serious allergic reaction that turns your whole body hypersensitive. Keep a close eye on these red spots, and if they become super itchy and painful, stop drinking immediately! Hives are a big sign that you're allergic to sulfites, which are compounds that are naturally produced in alcohol. Also, be extra careful if you're asthmatic! As much as 10% of people with asthma have allergic reactions to alcohol because of these sulfites.
If you only have an intolerance, you might experience a few itchy, dry spots on your skin from cocktails, but if they're not particularly painful, they're probably not a big deal. Just indicators that you might want to cut back a little bit on the amount you're consuming, as it could also point to an ingredient in the booze that doesn't sit well with you, like gluten.
Your Heart Rate Elevates
This comes along with alcohol flush reaction, because generally when your skin turns bright red and you can't stop scratching the hives that have broken out on your body, don't be surprised if your heartbeat skyrockets and you feel slightly dizzy. Whenever your heart rate escalates, it can be hard to catch your breath. Dr. Heinz Decker, author of the Johannes Gutenberg University of Mainz study, says that if you notice a change in your breathing pattern, you should schedule an appointment with your doctor.
Your Nose & Mouth Swell
If you feel parts of your face getting puffy, you could be allergic to histamine generated by the bacteria and yeast in alcohol. It's found in red wine, so if you're a Cabernet Sauvignon aficionado, sorry to inform you that it might be time to give it up. Swelling of the nasal passageways could result in difficult breathing, so it's not a symptom that should be taken lightly.
You Get Stomach Cramps & Nausea
Alcohol isn't exactly the most soothing thing to put in your stomach, especially in large quantities. But you shouldn't be wrestling with intense pain just because you had a few beers. Excruciating stomach pain, nausea, and diarrhea point to an alcohol allergy — and/or an allergy to histamine, which is known to swell your blood vessels and cause acute abdominal cramping.
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