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Alcohol is one of the few socially accepted and legal drugs in the U.S. Many people drink alcohol as a way to ease social tension when attending a party, going on a date, or participating in other activities. Drinking alcohol can involve unwanted side effects, such as alcohol withdrawal, but what many people don’t realize is that some of the more severe effects could indicate an alcohol allergy.
Although rare, an alcohol allergy can lead to uncomfortable or, if left untreated, even life-threatening symptoms. Many times people are not allergic to alcohol itself, but to a certain ingredient used in making the beverage. Even when symptoms are experienced, some choose to drink alcohol anyway because of its relaxing effects. Below we’ll review some ways to identify an allergy to alcohol.
What Is the Difference Between an Alcohol Allergy and Alcohol Intolerance?
Before exploring the symptoms of an alcohol allergy, it’s good to have a basic understanding of what an alcohol allergy is. When someone’s immune system overreacts to alcohol, this signifies an allergy. The alcohol itself will cause the reaction, not just alcoholic beverages.
Some people who react badly to alcohol may have an alcohol intolerance. This is when the digestive system doesn’t process alcohol properly because of a deficiency of aldehyde dehydrogenase (ALDH2), an enzyme involved in digesting alcohol in the liver. People with an ALDH2 deficiency often turn red and warm when they drink. Other symptoms include headaches, vomiting, and an elevated heart rate.
Other people are allergic not to the alcohol in an alcoholic drink but to another ingredient. Beer, wine, and hard liquor all have ingredients that are considered allergens.
People may be allergic to:
- barley
- hops
- gluten
- grapes
- rye
- wheat
- yeast
People who are allergic to any of these ingredients can often find ways to consume alcohol without experiencing any allergic reactions, such as by drinking gluten-free beer. However, if it is actually alcohol that you are allergic to, you should avoid drinking alcohol altogether.
6 Signs You May Be Allergic to Alcohol
Allergic reactions may vary from person to person, but when several common symptoms appear, it usually means that an allergy is involved.
Here are six signs of an allergic reaction:
- Itchiness in the mouth, eyes, nose, or throat
- Hives, eczema, or irritation on the skin
- Swelling of the face, throat, or other areas of the body
- Nasal congestion, deep wheezing, or labored breathing
- Stomach pain, vomiting, nausea, or diarrhea
- Loss of mobile control, which may include light-headedness, dizziness, vertigo, or even loss of consciousness
When left untreated or ignored, these symptoms can turn life-threatening. Sometimes people develop allergies over time. If you continuously experience these symptoms after drinking alcohol, it’s a good idea to consult with your doctor.
How Is an Alcohol Allergy Diagnosed?
Your doctor can refer you to an allergist for testing. In most cases, experiencing an allergic reaction after drinking alcohol doesn’t indicate an allergy to alcohol itself but to some other allergen. Allergists can help determine the exact cause of your symptoms.
First, an allergist will usually ask these or similar questions to determine the cause of your symptoms:
- What alcoholic beverages trigger symptoms?
- What symptoms do you experience and how severe are they?
- When did symptoms begin?
- Do you have any family members who experience the same reactions?
- Do you have any other pre-existing medical conditions?
The next step is to conduct allergy testing. Allergists typically use a skin prick test, which is when the skin on the arm or back is lightly scratched and then a drop of an allergen is applied. If the skin produces a reaction, then you most likely have an allergy. Some people skip going to the doctor and try at-home testing, but this isn’t the safest choice. It’s always best to allow professional healthcare providers to determine any allergies you might have.
