Alcohol Intolerance: Symptoms, Causes & Treatment

With an allergy, the body’s immune system fights the substance, as it perceives it as a threat. When it comes to an intolerance, the body simply isn’t up to the task of breaking it down. Data is limited, says Park, but a small 2012 study published in DA International found that about 7.2% of 4,000 participants were intolerant to wine and alcohol. In this article, we’ll explain the difference between alcohol intolerance and allergy, as well as the causes, symptoms and treatment. At The Recovery Village at Baptist Health, we provide a wide range of high-quality alcohol addiction recovery programs suited to your needs and lifestyle.

If you believe that you have an alcohol intolerance, and you find yourself drinking excessively despite these harmful symptoms, it may be time to look into rehab for alcoholism. Here at San Antonio Recovery Center, we are experts in working with complex, dual-diagnosis conditions. If you notice that your symptoms become severe or worsen over time, consult your doctor to determine whether an underlying health condition is contributing to your alcohol intolerance. It’s easy to assume that any adverse reaction to alcohol might be an allergy. However, there is a distinct difference between an alcohol allergy and alcohol intolerance. Understanding these differences is essential for proper diagnosis and management.

Symptoms of Sudden Alcohol Intolerance

Alcohol may also have pro-estrogenic effects, meaning it can influence estrogen and other hormones that affect ovarian function. 10 Some alcoholic drinks themselves may contain phytoestrogens, compounds that mimic estrogen. “We’ve known that alcohol, particularly red wine, is a trigger for hot flashes for some women,” says Streicher. If you notice that a glass of Merlot reliably sets off a hot flash, consider switching drinks to see whether others affect you differently.

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During the same period, there was a decline in the average number of drinks consumed per week, dropping from 4.0 in 2019 to 3.6 in 2021. Dr. Wakim is a board-certified psychiatrist with a passion for and expertise in addiction, mood disorders, trauma-related disorders and the subspecialty of interventional psychiatry. He obtained his medical degree from West Virginia University where he also completed his residency training, finishing as chief resident.

• For instance, red wine and dark spirits often contain high levels of histamines and congeners, which can trigger adverse reactions.
• This is typically more than just feeling queasy, but severe abdominal cramping and retching that occurs very soon after drinking alcohol.
• Note that alcohol intolerance doesn’t mean you’ll become intoxicated faster than others, but that you will have a negative and unpleasant reaction to alcohol.

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• Once alcohol allergy has been ruled out, the diagnosis for alcohol intolerance is typically based on your reported symptoms and a detailed medical history.
• Hone-affiliated medical practices are independently owned and operated by licensed physicians who provide services using the Hone telehealth platform.
• In 2017, researchers explored how if a person consumes alcohol chronically and in larger quantities, it may promote inflammation throughout the body, resulting in widespread symptoms.
• Whenever you have a drink, take a moment to jot down what you consumed and any reactions you experienced afterward.
• You will have the option to discuss your results with an independent physician at no extra cost.
• A medical consultation is recommended for accurate diagnosis and appropriate management.

This can lead to some pretty uncomfortable reactions, like flushing (you’ll most likely notice a red face), nausea, headaches, and even digestive issues like stomach pain or diarrhoea. Genetic mutations are a primary factor in the development of alcohol intolerance. This metabolic disorder is often inherited and is linked to a genetic mutation that affects the activity of the ALDH2 enzyme. ALDH2 is responsible for converting acetaldehyde, a byproduct of alcohol metabolism, into acetic acid.

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It’s also possible to be allergic to other components in alcoholic beverages, such as sulfites or grains (e.g., wheat or barley). In these instances, you may tolerate certain types of alcohol better than others. If your reaction is limited to one type of drink, it may point to a specific ingredient allergy rather than a blanket intolerance to alcohol itself. Changes related to hormones and aging during menopause can affect your sensitivity to alcohol.

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The condition is often confirmed by the presence of symptoms like alcohol flushing syndrome, where the face, neck, and chest become warm and red after drinking alcohol. While many of us assume our tolerance will remain the same throughout our lives, the body’s chemistry can shift. If you or someone you love is struggling with new or worsening alcohol intolerance, consider reaching out to a medical professional to uncover the root cause and discuss the best next steps. When it comes to sudden intolerance to alcohol, understanding the underlying factors is essential to manage and mitigate its effects. Alcohol intolerance is typically characterized by the body’s inability to break down alcohol normally, leading to a range of uncomfortable symptoms. Let’s delve into the definition and causes of alcohol intolerance, with a specific focus on genetic factors.

Currently, there is no cure for alcohol intolerance, but understanding and managing the condition can significantly reduce its impact. If alcohol intolerance is caused by something else, such as the use of a medication, then addressing the underlying cause may eliminate alcohol intolerance. For some people, however, alcohol intolerance drinking unexpectedly causes discomfort and adverse reactions, making them wonder about the effect alcohol is having on them.

When someone has an alcohol allergy, it means that their immune system mistakenly identifies alcohol or specific ingredients in alcoholic beverages as harmful. Interestingly, it’s often more common for people to be allergic to certain ingredients—like wheat, yeast or barley in beer—rather than the alcohol itself. Some individuals may also experience reactions to grapes or corn that are used in the production of wine and distilled spirits. So, if you notice any unusual symptoms after drinking, it might be helpful to consider what else is in your drink beyond the alcohol.