Alcohol intolerance is a rare condition in which your body cannot process alcohol correctly, leading to a build-up of a chemical called acetaldehyde. High levels of acetaldehyde are what cause the unpleasant symptoms of alcohol intolerance. If you have a true alcohol allergy, the only way to avoid symptoms is to avoid alcohol entirely.
- For example, potential symptoms include red and itchy skin, nasal congestion, shortness of breath, abdominal pain, and diarrhea.
- With this condition, you have an inactive or less-active form of the chemical that breaks down alcohol in your body.
- Alcohol intolerance occurs when the body lacks the enzymes needed to break down alcohol, leading to symptoms like facial flushing, nausea, and rapid heartbeat.
- Additionally, certain medical conditions, such as liver disease or gastrointestinal disorders, will make individuals more susceptible to alcohol intolerance.
- Occasionally, a doctor may ask a person to consume alcohol in a medical setting and observe any reactions or symptoms.
Managing conditions
If a person suspects they have alcohol intolerance, they should speak with a doctor. The doctor may be able to make a diagnosis or recommend testing for allergies, intolerances, or genetics. As a person ages, certain health conditions or medications may mean they have different reactions to alcohol than they previously did. Moreover, if a person has a serious reaction after drinking alcohol, they should consult a doctor sooner to determine what may be causing their symptoms. Although alcohol intolerance usually isn’t a serious issue as long as you don’t drink alcohol, you might want to discuss it with your doctor at your next appointment.
Is alcohol intolerance a symptom of long COVID-19?
In some cases, more severe reactions will occur, such as worsening of asthma or even anaphylaxis, especially when combined with specific allergens found in certain alcoholic beverages. Certain medications, such as those used to treat infections or disulfiram (a medication for alcohol dependence), will cause adverse reactions when combined with alcohol. Additionally, certain medical conditions, such as liver disease or gastrointestinal disorders, will make individuals more susceptible to alcohol intolerance. The risk is elevated due to the accumulation of acetaldehyde, a known carcinogen.
Symptoms and Causes
These substances can make your blood vessels dilate, which causes symptoms of alcohol intolerance. People with aspirin-exacerbated respiratory disease (AERD) are also more likely to have alcohol intolerance. If you’ve ever had an alcoholic drink only to find your nose running and your stomach roiling, you may have an alcohol intolerance. Or you may have an alcohol allergy, a stronger reaction that involves the immune system. Unfortunately, nothing can prevent reactions to alcohol or ingredients in alcoholic beverages. To avoid a reaction, avoid alcohol or the particular substance that causes your reaction.
alcohol intolerance symptoms is a condition where the body reacts negatively to the consumption of alcohol. It’s typically related to an inability to properly process or metabolize alcohol. At-home alcohol intolerance test kits involve collecting skin cells from inside the cheek using a cotton swab and packaging the swab securely before sending it to a laboratory.
When to speak with a doctor
- When someone has alcohol intolerance, the ADH2 enzyme does not break down the alcohol efficiently, leading to a build-up of acetaldehyde.
- If you suspect you have either or both conditions, it is recommended to seek medical evaluation and diagnosis from a healthcare professional.
- This connection could provide insights into how long COVID might contribute to alcohol intolerance.
- Possible alternatives to wine and grape-based spirits include Japanese plum wine, which has an appealingly sweet taste.
- If you have a pattern of suddenly feeling very sick after consuming alcohol, you may have developed sudden onset alcohol intolerance.