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What is alcohol intolerance, and what are its symptoms?

3 min read

Alcohol intolerance occurs when the body does not have the correct enzymes to break down the toxins in alcohol. The cause of alcohol-related sickness may develop for various medical reasons, such as an intolerance to alcohol or another ingredient present in the beverage. A true allergic reaction happens when your immune system goes into overdrive to attack something it sees as a threat. Allergic reactions can cause hives, facial swelling, nausea, and vomiting. They can also lead to life-threatening reactions like anaphylaxis. In addition to this, studies have identified a link between alcohol consumption and an increased risk of certain cancers.

alcohol intolerance

An allergy to alcohol has a very different cause from alcohol intolerance. Someone with an alcohol allergy has an allergic reaction when exposed to alcohol or to a component of alcohol. Often, it is not actually an allergy to alcohol itself but to a component of the alcohol, like grapes or hops. The symptoms are caused because the body’s immune system becomes overactive and attacks something found in the alcohol. Although not a true allergy, in some cases, what seems to be alcohol intolerance might be your reaction to something in an alcoholic beverage — such as chemicals, grains or preservatives. Combining alcohol with certain medications also can cause reactions.

Is alcohol intolerance a sign of liver damage?

For a minor reaction, over-the-counter or prescription antihistamines may help reduce symptoms, such as itching or hives. However, antihistamines can’t treat a serious allergic reaction. If you have a true alcohol allergy, the only way to avoid symptoms is to avoid alcohol entirely. Even a small amount of alcohol can trigger a severe reaction. Read the ingredient lists of foods and drinks, ask restaurant staff for information about menu items, and avoid products that contain alcohol. People may be unable to drink alcohol without feeling sick as a result of a hangover, lack of sleep or food, or alcohol intolerance.

Long COVID may increase alcohol sensitivity, Stanford research finds – USA TODAY

Long COVID may increase alcohol sensitivity, Stanford research finds.

Posted: Thu, 07 Mar 2024 08:28:55 GMT [source]

Many people who develop alcohol intolerance simply enjoy the occasional drink, though some may have an alcohol dependence and become especially distressed at the onset of these symptoms. (The drug disulfiram, for example, causes this reaction on purpose as part of treatment for alcohol use disorder). But if you are unable to stop drinking alcohol, this reaction can be a serious problem indeed.

Seek Support

Although at-home kits are convenient, they may not be as reliable. While research on post-COVID alcohol intolerance is still limited, anecdotal evidence suggests that it’s a symptom experienced by many people following the virus. Alcohol intolerance occurs when your body doesn’t have the proper enzymes to break down (metabolize) the toxins in alcohol. This is caused by inherited (genetic) traits usually found in Asians. As a person ages, certain health conditions or medications may mean they have different reactions to alcohol than they previously did.

If you have a true alcohol allergy, even small amounts of alcohol can cause symptoms. People often call https://ecosoberhouse.com/ an alcohol allergy, and vice versa. People who have a true alcohol allergy should avoid drinking alcohol entirely. Some people experience flushing, headaches, and nausea shortly after drinking alcohol.

Metabolic tolerance

With a serious illness, it’s better to abstain from alcohol to avoid further taxing the body. Doing so will also give it the best chance of fighting the illness effectively. Some people may find that their alcohol tolerance becomes higher with time. This is likely due to “practice” as they continue to use alcohol regularly.


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