Do I Have An Alcohol Allergy?

Do you have any symptoms after drinking even small amounts of alcohol (as little as 1 milliliter of pure alcohol or a mouthful of wine or beer (about 10 milliliters))?

Do you have itchy mouth, eyes, or nose?

Do you have hives, or a red itchy rash?

Do you have swelling of your face, throat, or other body parts?

Do you have nasal congestion, wheezing (breathing with a whistling sound in the chest), or shortness of breath?

Do you have abdominal pain, nausea, vomiting, or diarrhea?

Do you have dizziness, or do you feel like fainting?

Based on your answers it is unlikely that you have an alcohol allergy. An alcohol allergy is a rare condition characterized by an allergic reaction to alcohol, more precisely to ethanol in alcoholic beverages. An alcohol allergy is often mistaken for alcohol intolerance. It should be noted that these are two different conditions, because alcohol intolerance can be a reaction to one of the ingredients of alcoholic beverages such as wheat, rye or barley, and not necessarily to ethanol itself. Also, alcohol intolerance is not an allergic reaction, but actually a metabolic disorder in which the digestive system does not process alcohol as it should.

Based on your answers there is a possibility that you have an alcohol allergy. An alcohol allergy is a type of allergy that is caused by an improper reaction of your immune system to ethanol. The exact cause is not known, but people with this condition experience an allergic reaction after consuming extremely small amounts of alcohol, such as two teaspoons of wine or a mouthful of beer. Sometimes, an alcohol allergy can be caused by a food marinade, overripe fermented fruit, cough syrup or a mouthwash. A diagnosis is based on your symptoms, a skin prick test and blood tests.

Based on your answers there is a high possibility that you have an alcohol allergy. An alcohol allergy is a toxic reaction to alcohol that can range from mild to severe. The human body constantly produces small amounts of alcohol, so it is still unknown why some people develop an allergic reaction when they drink alcohol. However, if you develop any symptoms after drinking small amounts of alcohol, be sure to see a doctor for further advice. As with any allergy, treatment is based on avoiding allergens, in this case alcohol and treating all symptoms present. People prone to severe allergic reactions must carry injectable epinephrine with them.